No jail, no criminal record for felony shoplifting of over $11,000 of merchandise
(Manhattan)
2017
Our client, who had been previously
arrested, was observed taking several expensive pieces of merchandise from a retail
store. When approached about it, our client had already exited the store
while still holding the merchandise. After the arraignment, our client
retained a different attorney who reached a deal where our client would
have pled guilty to a felony which would have resulted in a permeant criminal
record. Our client
contacted us for a second opinion and we discussed ways that we may be able to achieve
a more favorable result. After we were hired, we started collecting all
of the available information concerning the arrest and our client. This
information pointed to a possible defense on the ground of lack of requisite
intent. When we contacted the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
about this and to see what our options could be, we started working toward
a better outcome. After several months of litigation, we resolved our
client’s case with no
jail, no probation, no felony conviction, no misdemeanor, and only a guilty
plea to the reduced and added charge of disorderly conduct which is a
non-criminal violation. Our client was also required to perform
community service as part of the outcome.