Theft charges can feel especially personal because they are about honesty. People accused of shoplifting, larceny, or receiving stolen property often worry less about the penalty than about what their family, employer, or community will think. Many of these cases come from financial stress, a moment of poor judgment, a misunderstanding at a store, or an accusation from someone you trusted.

Attorney Samantha Cremin is a Plymouth theft lawyer who represents people charged with theft and larceny offenses throughout Plymouth County. She knows that one bad decision doesn’t make someone a thief, and that a lot of these cases are more complicated than the police report suggests. She listens without judgment, then works hard to protect your record and your reputation.

Many theft cases, especially shoplifting cases where no one was arrested, start with a clerk magistrate hearing. If your teenager is the one accused, see our juvenile defense page. You can also learn more about how a criminal case moves through the Massachusetts courts.

What Theft Charges Does a Theft Attorney in Plymouth Defend?

Attorney Cremin represents clients charged with:

• Larceny, including larceny by false pretenses and embezzlement, under M.G.L. c. 266, § 30
• Shoplifting under M.G.L. c. 266, § 30A
• Receiving stolen property under M.G.L. c. 266, § 60
• Larceny from a person under M.G.L. c. 266, § 25
• Larceny of a motor vehicle
• Employee theft and theft from a business
• Credit card and check offenses

What Is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Larceny in Massachusetts?

Under M.G.L. c. 266, § 30, the value of the property usually decides how serious a larceny charge is. If the property is worth more than $1,200, the charge is a felony that can carry state prison time. If the value is $1,200 or less, it is generally a misdemeanor.

Value is often a point of dispute. Stores, employers, and alleged victims sometimes overstate what property was worth, or lump together separate incidents to push a case over the felony line. A theft lawyer in Plymouth will look closely at how the value was calculated, because bringing that number down can change the entire case.

Is Shoplifting a Crime in Massachusetts?

Yes. Shoplifting is a crime under M.G.L. c. 266, § 30A, and it covers more than walking out with merchandise. Concealing items, switching price tags, and moving goods to another container can all be charged as shoplifting. A first offense is usually punishable by a fine, but penalties increase with later offenses.

Even when the penalty is only a fine, a shoplifting charge can create a criminal record that shows up on background checks. Many retail, banking, healthcare, and school jobs look closely at theft-related offenses. That’s why it makes sense to talk with a theft attorney in Plymouth, even for a first shoplifting case.

You may also receive a letter from a store demanding payment. That civil demand is separate from the criminal case, and paying it does not make the criminal charge go away. Attorney Cremin can explain how the two relate.

What Do Prosecutors Have to Prove in a Theft Case?

To convict someone of larceny, the Commonwealth generally has to prove that the person took property belonging to someone else, without the owner’s consent, and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. Intent is often the weakest part of the case. People pick up the wrong item, forget something in their cart, misunderstand a borrowing arrangement, or believe in good faith that the property was theirs.

What are common defenses to theft charges?

A Plymouth theft lawyer may raise defenses such as:

• No intent to steal, such as an honest mistake or forgetfulness
• A good faith belief that you owned the property or had permission to take it
• Mistaken identity, especially when the case relies on blurry store video
• Problems with how store security or police detained and questioned you
• Inflated value used to support a felony charge
• Weak evidence that you knew property was stolen in a receiving stolen property case

Can a Theft Charge Be Resolved Without a Conviction?

In many cases, especially first offenses, yes. Depending on the facts, options may include stopping the complaint at a clerk magistrate hearing, pretrial probation, a continuance without a finding, or a dismissal after paying restitution. Making the alleged victim whole can sometimes help achieve a better resolution, but you should talk to a lawyer before offering money or making any statement about the case.

What should I do if I’m accused of theft?

• Don’t sign any written statement or admission for store security or an employer without legal advice.
• Don’t contact the store, business, or alleged victim to apologize or explain.
• Keep receipts, bank records, texts, or anything else that shows ownership or permission.
• Write down your memory of what happened, including who was present.
• Call a theft lawyer in Plymouth before your hearing or arraignment.

Why Hire Sam Cremin as Your Plymouth Theft Lawyer?

Sam Cremin understands how much shame people can feel when they are accused of theft. She doesn’t add to it. Clients often say how relieved they felt after their first conversation with her, because she listened, answered their questions, and helped them see a path forward.

She also fights hard for her clients. She digs into the evidence, challenges inflated values, and looks for ways to keep a theft charge off your record whenever possible. As a solo practitioner, she personally handles every case from the first call through the final court date.

If you are facing a theft or larceny charge in Plymouth County, contact Attorney Cremin today. Fill out the online form to schedule an obligation-free, confidential consultation, or call to speak with her directly.