Over the past few years, we’ve seen a noticeable spike in petit larceny cases—not because shoplifting is necessarily happening more often, but because big box stores have turned to surveillance technology to do the work the old security guard used to miss. At Cabrera Law, we’ve represented countless clients accused of shoplifting by stores like Target, Walmart, and CVS—and what used to be handled quietly in-store is now turning into full-blown criminal charges.
What Is Petit Larceny in New York?
Under New York Penal Law § 155.25, petit larceny is the theft of property valued at $1,000 or less. It’s a Class A misdemeanor, which means up to one year in jail, probation, community service, and a criminal record that can follow you for life—even on a first offense.
But the damage goes deeper: it can impact immigration status, job prospects, and professional licensing. That’s why we fight every single case like your future depends on it—because it does.
Why More People Are Being Prosecuted Than Ever
Clients often ask: Why did they even bother pressing charges for something so small?
The answer is simple: because they can now prove it with technology.
1. Facial Recognition & Surveillance Systems
Target and other retailers have entire loss prevention teams that rely on high-resolution cameras, AI-powered facial recognition, and behavior-monitoring software. In many cases, they build dossiers over time, tracking repeat visits before involving law enforcement.
2. Seamless Hand-Off to Police
Once they’ve gathered enough footage, these stores deliver airtight packages to police, including:
- Time-stamped video
- Still frames of your face
- Receipts and register logs
We’ve seen cases where the store knew a client’s name before they even left the premises—that’s how advanced these systems are.
3. Digital Evidence in Court
Prosecutors love digital evidence. Video, RFID alerts, and facial scans often carry more weight with a jury than eyewitness testimony. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect or unchallengeable—we’ve successfully argued issues with video chain-of-custody, mistaken identity, and overreach in surveillance practices.
If You’ve Been Accused of Shoplifting—Here’s What to Do
Retailers are no longer looking to “just recover the item.” They want convictions. But being charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty—and it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
If you’re being investigated or arrested:
- Do not speak to store security or the police without legal representation.
- Avoid signing any store documents or making statements—even if you think you’re helping your case.
- Call Cabrera Law.
At our firm, we take a strategic, aggressive approach to petit larceny cases, and we don’t settle for cookie-cutter outcomes. Whether the goal is dismissal, a reduction, or keeping your record clean, we tailor the defense to your circumstances.
Retailers Are Advancing—So Must Your Defense
Tech-savvy prosecution is the new norm in petit larceny cases, but we know the weaknesses behind the screens. We’ve cross-examined loss prevention officers, challenged surveillance authenticity, and negotiated dismissals for hundreds of clients.
If you’ve been accused of shoplifting or petit larceny in New York, don’t wait.
Contact Cabrera Law today for a confidential, judgment-free consultation. We’re here to protect your record—and your future.