Criminal Defense Attorney New York City | Shoplifting Case with Non Prosecution

The client was accused of removing merchandise from a major retail store on multiple occasions without completing payment at checkout. 

Store loss prevention personnel documented the conduct through internal surveillance footage, transaction reviews, and inventory reconciliation, concluding that the repeated nature of the conduct demonstrated intentional behavior rather than a single oversight. 

The cumulative value of the merchandise was considered substantial enough that the store declined informal resolution and instead filed a formal police report. 

As a result, the client became the subject of a criminal investigation and faced the realistic prospect of formal charges. 

Upon receiving notice of investigative proceedings, the client promptly sought assistance from a criminal defense attorney New York City to prevent escalation into criminal court.

The criminal defense attorney New York City facilitated structured communication with the retail complainant to address the harm caused and to pursue resolution outside of formal court proceedings. 

The client personally participated in an apology process and provided financial restitution exceeding the documented loss amount, demonstrating accountability and good faith remediation. 

Following these efforts, the complainant submitted a written statement confirming that it did not wish to pursue criminal punishment, a factor that played a significant role in the prosecutorial assessment of whether formal charges were warranted.

In addition to restitution, the defense team compiled comprehensive mitigation materials addressing the client’s personal circumstances. 

Documentation established that the client was the sole caregiver for a young child and lacked meaningful external support. 

Medical records were organized to reflect a history of serious medical treatment, including surgical procedures, residual physical limitations, and ongoing mental health care.

The defense also presented evidence of recent financial hardship, employment disruption, and active participation in treatment and recovery programs, contextualizing the conduct as arising during a period of acute instability rather than from criminal intent or habitual behavior.

The client prepared a detailed written statement acknowledging responsibility and outlining concrete steps taken to prevent future incidents, including continued mental health treatment and engagement with community based support resources. 

The criminal defense attorney New York City also submitted documentation of the client’s reintegration plan, including active job search efforts and willingness to participate in community service if required. 

These materials supported the argument that formal prosecution would serve little public interest compared to allowing the matter to resolve without criminal charges.