Title: Shoplifting by Asportation Lawyer in MA | The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan
Headings: Shoplifting by Asportation
Shoplifting by Asportation
Massachusetts Theft and Shoplifting Crimes Criminal Defense Lawyers
Shoplifting Charged As A Larceny Crime
Clerk Magistrates Hearing
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Content: Click Here to View Our Shoplifting Case Results!!! Shoplifting Charged As A Larceny Crime
Although the larceny statutes do not govern shoplifting crimes, a prosecutor has the choice to bring a shoplifter up on larceny charges instead of shoplifting charges. A conviction for larceny under $1,200 or over $1,200 carries stiffer penalties than a conviction for shoplifting. However, if the total value of the goods is under $100 then the shoplifting laws and penalties will apply instead of the larceny laws and penalties. Clerk Magistrates Hearing
Shoplifting is a misdemeanor crime. As a practical matter, police in Massachusetts have limited powers to arrest someone for a misdemeanor crime that was not committed in their presence. Generally speaking, a police officer can only arrest someone for shoplifting if he has probable cause to believe the person has committed the offense of shoplifting. If an employee or business owner shows the police officer video footage from surveillance cameras that shows someone shoplifting, then the officer has probable cause to arrest that individual. However, police officers and surveillance cameras can not witness every crime. In these situations the police will not arrest the individual but instead will apply for a complaint at the local district.