Were You Arrested For Shoplifting?

Shoplifting-Charges-Fort-Lauderdale

Here’s What You Need To Know About Shoplifting Charges

Shoplifting may not seem like a serious charge compared to other criminal charges, however, if you were arrested for Shoplifting, you can rest assured that the arrest will appear on your record as would any other criminal charge. Regardless of how minimal a shoplifting charge may seem, there is potential for jail time, fines and even community service.

In addition, jail time, fines and penalties will be incremental based on the number of charges and charge classifications. Very often, an arrest is accompanied by more than one offense therefore, it is very possible that you could be faced with more charges. Due to the latter, in order to protect yourself and your future, it is important that you speak to a Criminal Defense attorney immediately in order to preserve your name, reputation, and future.

Retail Theft Charges

Shoplifting is a theft crime that is referred to as Retail Theft in the state of Florida.   Retail theft can ultimately be categorized as either Petit Theft or Grand Theft, the latter depends on the value of the stolen property as well as any prior offenses.  Depending on the value of the theft, you could be facing either misdemeanor charges or a felony charge. In addition, you may face probation or up to five years in jail as well as fines and monetary penalties. 
 

Possible Defenses to Shoplifting Charges:

  • A lapse in judgment: The defendant forgot to pay for the item before leaving the store and did not intend to steal the item.
  • You have the Wrong Guy: The defendant is not the actual person who committed the theft and this is a case of mistaken identity.

Get Help Today

Shoplifting charges can stain your record and reputation and affect your future, employment and as a result, your quality of life.  It is up to you to defend yourself and the best way to do that is to get help from an experienced Criminal Defense attorney.  Contact our office today to learn more about how we may be able to help you.

Contact Leah H. Mayersohn, Esq. at Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense today for a consultation by calling 954-400-5000.

Leave a Reply

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>