Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

I was apprehended for shop lifting

I was apprehended for shop lifting, eventhough they let me go with out prosicuting me they said they are going to have their attorney contact me. They said I have to pay five times the amount taken which is 765.00 dollars. Is that true? If I can't afford it can they still arrest me. The store is Ann Taylor located in west nyack.


Asked on 2/02/08, 9:34 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
NEAL SPECTOR, ESQ. NEAL S. SPECTOR, P.C.

Re: I was apprehended for shop lifting

I never advise my clients to pay. That is a penalty those collectors are demanding, not criminal restitution and there are substantial legal defenses available to avoid paying it.

Generally speaking they cannot seek your arrest for that.

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Answered on 2/02/08, 10:47 pm
Jonathan Nelson The Law Offices of Jonathan B. Nelson, PC

Re: I was apprehended for shop lifting

They are demanding a civil penalty which is separate and apart from a criminal prosecution. The civil penalty does not preclude a criminal prosecution.

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Answered on 2/03/08, 8:26 am


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