Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

My boyfriend and I were recently caught shoplifting from Macys in NY. In my posession my item was $110 and his was $400. We were taken into the back where they took our pictures and told us we were banned from all Macys for 3 years. They also gave us each a Civil Demand notice in the amount of $500 for each of us. Then they called the police and had us arrested where we both got DAT's to appear in court next month. I was wondering what is going to happen to us when we go to court. We are going to plead guilty, since we were and they have it on video also. This is our first offense, I have never been in trouble before and he hasnt been arrested since he was a teenager for writing graffiti.


Asked on 2/09/11, 1:54 pm

6 Answers from Attorneys

Stuart Austin Austin Law Associates, PC

You should attempt to obtain a plea bargain on the case. It is likely that you could obtain an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. You should also not pay any civil penalties until consulting with a lawyer. Good Luck. You may contact me if you have any further questions.

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Answered on 2/09/11, 2:01 pm
Jason Stern Law Offices of Jason Stern

Under no circumstances should you plead guilty or pay any Macy's imposed fines. Pleading guilty will result in a criminal record and could affect your ability to go to college, obtain financial assistance, or get a job in the future.

If this is your first offense, a competent criminal attorney should be able to obtain either a dismissal of the charges or a reduction to a violation, leaving you with no criminal record.

If you'd like a fee quote, please contact my office by email.

Good luck!

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Answered on 2/09/11, 2:05 pm
peter bark bark & karpf

I need more information. Were you and your girlfriend charged with acting in concert or individually?. If you both were charged with the total, $510 it will make a good plea bargain more difficult. If charged individually you both might come out with a violation, a non-criminal offense.

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Answered on 2/09/11, 6:22 pm
Robert Evans Robert S. Evans esq.

Under NO circumstances should you plead guilty. Retain a competent criminal defense attorney. That attorney should be able to help you avoid a life changing criminal record. I handle matters such as yours on a regular basis with wonderful results. Please contact my office @ 7188340087 for a consultation.

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Answered on 2/10/11, 8:53 am
Steven Czik CZIK LAW PLLC

You should not expect jail time, but it would be highly recommended to have an experienced lawyer with you defending you and preserving your rights in court. It would also greatly increase the chance of lowering the charges or possible dismissal. We have substantial experience handling these types of cases and reasonable fees, however, we would need some more information before making a complete and proper determination. You are welcome to contact us for a free consultation.

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The information provided by The Law Offices of Steven J. Czik, P.C. (LOSJC) is for general educational purposes only. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this communication and no privilege attaches to such communication. LOSJC is not taking and will not take any action on your behalf and will not be considered your attorney until both you and LOSJC have signed a written retainer agreement. There are strict deadlines, called statutes of limitation, within which claims or lawsuits must be filed. Therefore, if you desire the services of an attorney and decide not to retain LOSJC on terms acceptable to LOSJC, you are advised to immediately seek the services of another attorney.

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Answered on 2/11/11, 9:51 am
Carlos Gonzalez Gonzalez Legal Associates PLLC

You're being charged with a crime and pleading guilty to it will give you a criminal record, in the state of new York this means you will have this haunting you for the rest of your life... As new York does not allow for expungement of criminal records.

I would highly suggest not of you getting attorneys immediately.

Our office regularly handles these cases and may be able to help you and make sure you walk away from these cases with no record.

If interested in hiring us to assist you call us at 212-405-2234

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Answered on 2/13/11, 8:03 am


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