Larceny, Shoplifting, & Theft Case Results

Charge: Larceny Under $1200

Details: My client was charged with larceny under $1,200 after entering a Target retail store, selecting several boxes of baseball cards, and proceeding to a self-checkout register to pay for them. Unbeknownst to my client, Target had instituted a “two-box purchase limit” on these particular items. While scanning his selections and placing them in the bagging area, my client was unaware that the register had stopped registering additional units after the second box. He completed payment in good faith and did not review the receipt total, and was therefore unaware that he had been charged for only two of the boxes in his possession.

A loss prevention officer observed the transaction and approached my client before he exited the store. As the officer was in plain clothes and did not identify himself, my client did not understand the nature of the encounter. Reacting out of confusion and alarm, he dropped the bag containing the baseball cards and left the premises.

The matter proceeded to a Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing, at which I presented my client’s educational background, employment history, and personal character to the Clerk, along with a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Following the hearing, the Clerk Magistrate declined to issue a criminal complaint. As a result, the matter will be dismissed, and my client’s record will remain clean.

Result: Charge dismissed prior to arraignment.

Waltham District Court

Charge: Shoplifting by Concealment

Details: My client was shopping at Target, selecting household goods for her apartment, when she was observed by store loss prevention personnel at the self-checkout. Loss prevention alleged that my client failed to scan all items prior to placing them into her bags. She was subsequently detained, escorted to the store’s loss prevention office, and later charged with shoplifting by concealment.

My client’s matter was eligible for a Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing. At the hearing, I presented evidence establishing my client’s unblemished criminal record, her strong reputation in the community, and her willingness to make restitution for any amount Target asserted was owed.

The Clerk Magistrate dismissed the matter upon my client’s satisfaction of the restitution obligation, preserving her clean criminal record.

Result: Charge dismissed prior to arraignment

Woburn District Court

Charges: 3 Counts of Shoplifting by Concealment

Details: My client was observed by Target loss prevention taking several items of clothing, placing them in her purse, and exiting the store without paying. The items were recovered and Target was not owed any restitution. The case was dismissed in a Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing.

Result: Charges dismissed at Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing

Dedham District Court

Charges: 1 Count of Shoplifting by Concealment, 2 Counts of Shoplifting by Recording False Value

Details: My client entered a Target, selected several items, proceeded to the self checkout, and scanned price tags for other items in place of the items she selected. None of the property left the store and Target was not owed any restitution. The case was heard at a Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing and was dismissed.

Result: Charges dismissed prior to arraignment

Dedham District Court

Charges: Larceny, Forgery of a Check, Uttering a False Check

Details: My client was taking care of her elderly grandmother by cooking, cleaning, and helping with her doctor’s visits and finances. Her grandmother was reviewing her bank account and believed my client took her checkbook and wrote checks to herself without her grandmother’s permission. Eventually, the grandmother decided she did not wish to pursue prosecution.

Result: Case dismissed prior to trial

Framingham District Court

Charges: Trespass, Breaking & Entering, Possession of Burglarious Tools

Details: Police were called to a tow yard on report of two suspicious males inside after hours. My client was found to have removed license plates from a vehicle with a screwdriver located in his pocket.

Result: Cases dismissed prior to trial

Fall River District Court

Charge: Larceny Under $1200

Details: Client entered a Target and left the store with several items without paying. Loss prevention stopped him before he exited the store. Approximately $72 worth of items were in his possession.

Result: Case dismissed at Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing

New Bedford District Court

Charges: Receive Stolen Property Over $1200, Unlawful Possession of a Theft Detection Remover

Result: Both charges dismissed prior to trial

Framingham District Court

Charges: Receive Stolen Property, Utter False Check,  Larceny by Check, Receive Stolen Property, Attempted Larceny by Check

Result: All charges dismissed at trial

Waltham District Court

Charges: Improper Use Of Credit Card, Larceny

Result: Dismissed prior to arraignment at Clerk’s Hearing

Clinton District Court