Gwinnett County Theft by Shoplifting Lawyer
Shoplifting might seem like a minor offense, but any defendant can end up dealing with the aftermath of a conviction for years. At The Spizman Firm, we have defended many people accused of shoplifting, and we appreciate how each case is unique. Whether you are a concerned parent whose child was arrested for stealing or you were detained while shopping for no good reason, we can use our experience to identify the right defense and most favorable outcome. Contact us today to speak with a Gwinnett County theft by shoplifting lawyer.
Not a Minor Crime
Taking merchandise from a store without paying for it is a crime if you intended to keep the item. There are many examples of shoplifting, including concealing goods in a pocket or purse, switching price tags, or lying about the price to a clerk so you can pay less. Other people will store an item inside a larger one without revealing it to the clerk.
You might face either a misdemeanor or a felony charge based on the value of the items stolen:
- Merchandise valued at $500 or less: misdemeanor offense, with a maximum 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Goods worth more than $500: a felony charge, with 1-10 years in prison if convicted.
Repeat offenders also face enhanced charges. If this is your fourth shoplifting conviction, then you can face felony theft charges regardless of the value of the merchandise.
Unfortunately, possible jail time is only the start of problems for defendants who end up convicted. Defendants will have a criminal record which they need to explain away each time they apply for a job or college.
What the State Must Prove to Obtain a Conviction
Shoplifting is more than simply being caught with a ring or other item in your pocket or purse. Instead, the prosecution must prove critical elements, including your intent to take the item without paying.
For example, you might have placed an item in your purse because the store did not have baskets and your hands are full. Only when you get to the parking lot and are stopped do you remember where you temporarily stored the item. In this example, you lacked the intent to steal.
We can attack the case by challenging any evidence of your intent. In other cases, a better defense might be to simply claim reasonable doubt that you even took an item. The store’s security camera could be pointed in the wrong direction or be so blurry that no one can make out who was in the store.
Reach out to our law firm. The less you say to the store clerk or the police after being stopped, the better.
Schedule Your Consultation
A Gwinnett County theft by shoplifting lawyer with our office will handle your case with the sensitivity it deserves. We have decades of combined experience in criminal law, and we have defended hundreds of people from theft charges. Contact us by phone or email to schedule a free, no-strings consultation with our law firm.
