Beyond Arrest & Conviction: Immigration Shoplifting Consequences

Any arrest in New York can have implications beyond the courtrooms. A New York theft crime or New York larceny offense is no different. In fact, these crimes may be defined as crimes of “moral turpitude.” Should a shoplifting arrest in New York City or elsewhere end in a conviction, there could be tremendous ramifications. Even worse, a felony shoplifting arrest, indictment or conviction for Grand Larceny will magnify your predicament. Unfortunately, students, businesspeople and visitors who have visas or green cards are in danger as a result of an arrest in New York for a theft, larceny or shoplifting crime. Beyond consulting with a New York criminal lawyer, it may be advisable to do the same with an attorney experienced in immigration matters. This is true even if your New York City shoplifting arrested resulted in a Desk Appearance Ticket.

• Misdemeanor Shoplifting & New York Penal Law 155.25
• Misdemeanor Shoplifting & New York Penal Law 165.40
• Felony Shoplifting & New York Penal Law 155.30 or 155.35

As noted above, the mere arrest or Desk Appearance Ticket for NY PL 155.25 or NY PL 165.40 may have implications to your status in the United States. For example, if you have a pending visa or green card application, your arrest for shoplifting or any theft crime will certainly delay the process. Immigration authorities will want to see how the case resolves itself before continuing with your application. If you are convicted of New York Penal Law 155.25 or New York Penal Law 165.40, there is a real chance that your offense would be deemed a crime of “moral turpitude.” Moreover, if there is an indictment or conviction for Grand Larceny, a felony offense, the value of the theft could be an aggravating factor.

• Ramifications to Shoplifting Arrests: Careers, Licenses & Certifications

Beyond resolving your shoplifting arrest in a non-criminal manner, it is critical that a non-citizen appear in court on the date either a judge tells you to return or as printed on the Desk Appearance Ticket. If you do not, a Bench Warrant will be issued for your arrest. If you have since left the country, it is likely that upon your return the Bench Warrant will “pop” when you arrive months or years later. At that time you will be taken into custody. The New York criminal lawyers and former Manhattan prosecutors at Saland Law have represented numerous foreign clients who have left New York and the United States before going in front of a judge. In fact, consulates of foreign nations have referred their citizens to Saland Law for criminal matters and asked our attorneys to speak to their staff on criminal matters as well. If handled properly, not only can you avoid a Bench Warrant, but our criminal defense attorneys may be able to resolve your case in your absence depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. Regardless, for anyone, especially a foreign national, a Bench Warrant must be avoided.

• Shoplifting Arrests & the Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD)
• Potential Offers for First Time Shoplifting Arrests in New York City

To better understand theft and larceny crimes in New York, including shoplifting, please review this website as well as CrottySaland.Com. Additionally, our NewYorkCriminalLawyerBlog.Com and NewYorkTheftAndLarcenyLawyersBlog.Com both have a tremendous amount of information on legal decisions, criminal definitions and newsworthy cases. Both of these blogs are searchable and categorized. It is never too late to educate yourself on the law and put yourself in the best position to “walk away” from a criminal allegation.

Call the New York & Brooklyn Criminal Possession of Stolen Property Lawyers at Saland Law at 212.312.7129 or Contact Us Online to Start Your Criminal Defense Now