Shoplifting can range from a petty offense to a grave felony crime. Regardless of the type of shoplifting charge, if you are facing this type of criminal case, you should secure quality legal representation right away. From Wal-Mart to Lowe’s to a high-end clothing store, you can be hit with criminal charges if you shoplift.
A Dr. Phillips shoplifting lawyer can ensure you understand your legal options while safeguarding your interests, such as your right to remain silent and to not incriminate yourself during police questioning. A battle-tested theft defense attorney can serve as an indispensable shield between you and the legal system while actively working to reduce your charges or penalties.
Shoplifting, also known as retail theft, can lead to lengthy and grave sentencing terms. Retail theft encompasses multiple illegal actions, including altering or removing a price tag or label, transferring merchandise from one container to another, or removing a shopping cart from the merchant’s premises. Taking money, merchandise, or other property belonging to a merchant can also result in someone being charged with retail theft. You can even be charged with the crime despite not being arrested in the moment.
There are several elements that can determine the severity of a shoplifting or retail theft charge. It is important to consult with a shoplifting defense attorney in Dr. Phillips if you are investigated or charged with this serious offense.
Even a seemingly minor offense or misunderstanding can land someone in jail under Florida’s strict shoplifting laws. Elements that will impact the outcome of a shoplifting charge include the value of the goods in question, any prior criminal history of the accused, and whether the offense was committed in concert with other individuals.
A shoplifting attorney in Dr. Phillips can explain the legal consequences attached to a particular charge. Shoplifting property with a value of less than $100 is still a second-degree misdemeanor that can lead to up to 60 days in jail and up to $500 in fines.
Retail theft of merchandise valued between $300 and $20,000 is a third-degree felony. A crime of this nature carries penalties including up to five years in jail, plus fines as high as $5,000. Recent changes to Florida’s retail theft laws also make it a third-degree felony to engage in retail theft with five or more other people.
If a person is caught using social media to plan retail theft, they can be charged with a second-degree felony. It is also a second-degree felony to shoplift merchandise valued between $20,000 and $100,000. A second-degree felony is punishable by financial penalties of up to $10,000, plus a period of incarceration of up to 15 years.
The most severe shoplifting offenses are charged as first-degree felonies. If someone shoplifts goods valued over $100,000 or uses a firearm to carry out the offense, they can be charged with a first-degree felony. This crime carries a prison term of up to 30 years, plus fines as high as $10,000.
A lawyer in Dr. Phillips who regularly and successfully represents those accused of shoplifting could evaluate the right defenses for your case. Lack of proof, a case of mistaken identity, or lack of intent can be plausible defenses to shoplifting.
If you accidentally walked out of the store with the item, or forgot to return an item you borrowed, these facts could also be used as defenses. If you believed the property was yours or were simply present at the time of the retail theft but did not participate in it, an attorney could also build a defense strategy based on these circumstances.
Defenses can be raised before and during trial. It may even be possible to get charges dropped before the case proceeds very far, so speaking with an experienced criminal lawyer is vital to ensure you get the best defense.
Numerous elements to your case could enhance or decrease the potential penalties you face.
A Dr. Phillips shoplifting lawyer can explain the charges against you and conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding your case. We can assess the evidence against you when developing the right strategy, whether that involves pursuing a full dismissal of charges or negotiating with the prosecutor on your behalf.
You can also rest assured that a seasoned criminal defense attorney will safeguard your constitutional rights at every step of the legal process. Contact our office today for a confidential attorney consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys