Stealing from Nordstrom
Nordstrom department stores are highly regarded for their vast selection of upscale goods and generous return policies. Typically, their brick-and-mortar locations boast two or more stories of luxury beauty products, designer handbags, fragrances, clothing, and a well-stocked shoe department. While it may be tempting to shoplift at Nordstrom, the reality of getting caught heavily outweighs the short-term gains. In the long-run, you could wind up paying much more in attorney’s fees and court costs than you would have had you paid for the items you desired.
Getting caught shoplifting at Nordstrom and other large department stores can flip your life upside down in an instant. If you have been detained in a retail store for suspected theft, you need an experienced attorney to represent you. At The Umansky Law Firm, we have decades of experience combating theft charges in Orlando.
Nordstrom’s Customer Bill of Rights
On their website, Nordstrom details a Customer Bill of Rights which explains what customers may expect when shopping at their stores. According to this Bill of Rights, Nordstrom “strictly prohibits unreasonable searches and/or the profiling of customers by any employees.” They retain security guards and loss prevention (LP) professionals to provide shoppers and employees with “a safe and secure shopping environment.”
Under their Bill of Rights, Nordstrom employees must respect the basic “civil and legal rights of any person suspected of shoplifting.” They may detain suspected shoplifters in a reasonable manner and for no longer than a “reasonable time” in which to conduct an investigation or questioning.
Nordstrom stores are generally spread out with few employees stationed in each department; however, where they lack in employees they make up for in security cameras. These cameras are actively monitored. Additionally, Nordstrom case builds against suspected shoplifters, meaning that if you are caught shoplifting more than once, you will be charged for past thefts.
Personnel at most high-end department stores have some LP training that they must use to deter shoplifting. Typically, this includes providing exceptional customer service. Personnel may additionally be trained to identify characteristics and behaviors typical of experienced shoplifters. The store’s open layout also aids employees and managers in identifying potential acts of retail theft.
Watch Out for Felony Charges
That pair of $1,300 Louboutins can easily wind up being several thousands of dollars more in court fees if you are ever convicted of a felony theft offense. In Florida, any theft of merchandise valued at or above just $300 is considered felony grand theft. You may end up facing the following penalties if you are caught stealing designer merchandise:
- A prison sentence of up to 5 years
- Probation for up to five years
- Fines of up to $5,000
Petit Theft in Florida
Not everything sold at Nordstrom carries a hefty price tag. For merchandise valued at more than less than $100, you could face petit theft charges. Petit theft is a second-degree misdemeanor theft offense for which you may face the following penalties upon a conviction:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- A fine of up to $500
- Driver’s license suspension
Petit theft of merchandise valued at $100 but less than $300 is a first-degree misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to:
- 12 months in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Driver’s license suspension
Fighting Misdemeanor and Felony Theft in Orlando
Don’t allow police to detain you without a fight. As soon as you can, contact an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Orlando to defend your shoplifting case. Several defenses may be raised depending on the situation. A strong defense is crucial to preserving your reputation and future.
Attorneys with The Umansky Law Firm have over 100 years of combined experience defending shoplifting charges in Orlando. Find out how we can help your case by calling or completing our contact form.
