The current economic times have affected everyone, oftentimes making it seem impossible to make ends meet. Unfortunately for parents trying to provide for their children, or whose son or daughter is struggling to keep up with the tough demands of being a teenager, prices for everyday items such as clothing and shoes have not decreased. It becomes harder and harder for individuals to pay for these necessities which can make a mother, father, daughter, or son feel compelled to shoplift and retail stores like Kohl’s are common targets.
To deter shoplifters, Kohl’s department stores everywhere have increased security with additional video surveillance, clerk monitoring, anti-theft tags, and security scanners at the entrances and exits of every Kohl’s store. This drastically increases the chances of a shoplifter getting caught.
If you or someone you know is facing theft charges for shoplifting from Kohl’s, reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can make you aware of your legal options. The shoplifting attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm have over 100 years of combined experience representing the accused. Our team of former prosecutors can help have charges lessened or even dropped altogether if possible.
Most retail stores have a security team in place to deter shoplifting and catch individuals in the act, but do they have the right to detain you? They do, but in order to do so, they must have probable cause, meaning that an employee saw you physically grab an item, conceal and leave or attempt to leave the store.
It’s important to know that Kohl’s security does not have to wait for you to leave the property to detain you. If they have probable cause, they can approach you while you’re still in store. However, if they do so without probable cause, your attorney can have the charges thrown out.
Being convicted of shoplifting can be severely damaging. Under Florida § 812.014, the penalties for shoplifting are as follows:
If you’re caught shoplifting with another individual, the State will combine the total amount stolen and charge you both accordingly. For example, if you stole $100 worth of goods and your partner stole $225 worth of goods, you both could face charges for grand theft. Kohl’s also has the freedom to ban you from all Kohl’s locations.
A notice to appear can be used in a civil suit which can end up costing much more than the value of what was allegedly taken and if you are charged criminally with theft, the legal process can be very confusing and frightening, especially for a first-time offender.
With penalties including expensive fines, community service, and jail time, it is essential that you find representation that is not only competent, but experienced. If you have been arrested for petit or grand theft, the attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm can provide zealous legal representation. Our attorneys will work diligently to help you through this difficult process counseling you, working with opposing counsel, and possibly even avoiding trial altogether by getting you into a pre-trial diversion program, keeping your record clean.
Contact an Orlando Kohl’s shoplifting attorney at the Umansky law firm for a free case evaluation regarding your legal rights. Allow us to put our attorney’s 100 years of combined shoplifting and theft defense experience to work for you. As former prosecutors, many of Umansky attorneys have tried hundreds of cases in Florida courtrooms. Contact us today to discuss your case.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
