If you have been charged with shoplifting, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. A shoplifting attorney can help you understand the charges against you and may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed. In some cases, a shoplifting attorney may be able to get the charge expunged from your record.
How A Shoplifting Attorney Can Help You? (4 Ways)
There are 4 ways shoplifting attorneys can help you:
1. Understand The Charges Against You
The first way is to understand the charges against you. This can be done by meeting with a shoplifting attorney and reviewing the evidence against you. The shoplifting attorney will also explain the possible consequences of a shoplifting conviction.
2. Get The Charges Reduced Or Dismissed
The second way is to try to get the charges reduced or dismissed. This can be done by negotiating with the prosecutor or by filing motions to suppress evidence. A shoplifting attorney will know what options are available in your case and will fight for the best possible outcome similar to the intellectual property attorney.
3. Get The Charge Expunged From Your Record
The third way is to try to get the shoplifting charge expunged from your record. This can be done by completing a shoplifting diversion program or by waiting a certain amount of time after you are convicted. A shoplifting attorney can help you determine if you are eligible for an expungement and will assist you in the process.
4. Is To Pay The Shoplifting Attorney
Most shoplifting attorneys will charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. You should ask about the fees before you hire an attorney. Be sure to get a written fee agreement so that there are no surprises later on.
Most shoplifting attorneys will charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. You should ask about the fees before you hire an attorney. Be sure to get a written fee agreement so that there are no surprises later on like you would do when hiring an expungement attorney.
What Usually Happen To First-Time Shoplifters?
First-time shoplifters are usually given a warning or are required to attend a shoplifting class. In some cases, first-time shoplifters may be required to pay restitution or perform community service. If you are convicted of shoplifting, the conviction will go on your criminal record.
What Are The Two Types Of ShopLifters?
The two types of shoplifters are amateur shoplifters and professional shoplifters.
1. Amateur Shoplifters
Amateur shoplifters are people who shoplift on a spur-of-the-moment decision. They may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or they may be experiencing financial difficulties. Amateur shoplifters typically steal small items that they can easily hide in their clothing. Most amateur shoplifters are caught and charged with shoplifting.
2. Professional Shoplifters
Professional shoplifters are people who shoplift for a living. They typically steal high-priced items and sell them for cash. Professional shoplifters are often part of organized retail theft gangs. These gangs will target specific stores and coordinate their shoplifting activities. Professional shoplifters are more likely to be caught and convicted than amateur shoplifters. If you are convicted of shoplifting, the conviction will go on your criminal record.
How Does A Shoplifting Charge Affect My Employment?
A shoplifting conviction can affect your employment. Many employers will not hire applicants with shoplifting convictions on their criminal records. If you are employed, a shoplifting conviction can lead to disciplinary action, including being fired from your job.
What Happens If You Get Caught Shoplifting?
If you are caught shoplifting, you may be detained by the store security or police and questioned about the incident. You may be asked to sign a confession or waiver of rights and find the embezzlement attorney or similar attorney to help in your case. If you are charged with shoplifting, you will have to appear in court.
What Is The Punishment For Stealing?
There are a variety of punishments for shoplifting, depending on the value of the merchandise stolen.
- For shoplifting merchandise worth $100 or less, the punishment is a fine of up to $500.
- For shoplifting stock worth more than $100, the discipline is a fine of up to $1000 or potentially detainment for as long as a half year.
- For shoplifting merchandise worth more than $500, the punishment is a fine of up to $5000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years.
If you are convicted of shoplifting, the conviction will go on your criminal record.
What Are The Possible Consequences Of A Shoplifting Conviction?
The possible consequences of a shoplifting conviction include jail time, probation, and a fine. You may also be required to attend a shoplifting class or pay restitution.
Can Shoplifting Affect Your Future?
A shoplifting conviction can affect your future. Many employers will not hire applicants with criminal records. If you are utilized, a shoplifting conviction can prompt disciplinary activity, including being terminated from your job.
A shoplifting conviction can also affect your ability to get a loan, rent an apartment, or buy a house. A shoplifting conviction can also affect your immigration status and this is the reason for hiring a shoplifting attorney like you hire a property attorney to solve property-related issues.
What Things You Should Never Do If Accused Of Shoplifting?
If you are accused of shoplifting, there are a few things you should never do.
- Don’t try to run away or hide from the store security or police.
- Avoid arguing with the store security or police.
- Don’t give a false name or address to the store security or police.
- Do not give a false name or address to the court.
These are the things you should do if you are accused of shoplifting.
Do Stores Always Prosecute Shoplifters?
Most stores do not prosecute shoplifters. Stores will usually only prosecute shoplifters if the value of the merchandise stolen is more than $500.
Conclusion
If you are accused of shoplifting, the best thing to do is to remain calm and call an experienced shoplifting attorney as soon as possible. An experienced shoplifting attorney can help you avoid a shoplifting conviction.