Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

They may charge you with petit larceny and/or make you sign a no trespass agreement. They may also try to collect a civil penalty from you. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

The possible charges are petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property - both A misdemeanors. The store can also sue you for up to 5 times the amount of what you stole up to $500. If they let you go, its less likely they will do anything now. Most stores call the police at the time they detain you. In letting you go, they weakened any possible case. Based upon what you said, the store only took down your license plate number but did not take your name. If you get arrested, the DA would have to prove that you were the person in the store. Therefore, it is very important that you exercise your right to remain silent if you get arrested. Do not make any admissions that you were in the store or driving your car at the time. Make the DA rely on surveillance recordings (if it exists) or an ID by someone from the store. The same goes for the store if they contact you - do not speak to them or sign anything. I am a former federal and State prosecutor and now handle criminal defense cases such as this would be. Please feel free to check out my web site and contact me.