Accusations of shoplifting are more consequential than they may first seem. Should you or a loved one have to contend with these accusations, you may face serious fines and jail time. For many people, shoplifting charges may constitute their first brush with the law. If this is the case for you, uncontested charges may make it more difficult for you to secure work, buy a house, or achieve your goals for the future.
At the Law Office of Robert H. Hanaford, we don’t let your shoplifting charges go unanswered. If you’re looking for a sound defense, you can collaborate with a shoplifting lawyer in Naples. Our local representatives are prepared to contest the charges brought against you.
Retail Theft and Its Consequences in Florida
Throughout Florida, the act known as shoplifting is instead referred to as retail theft. This act includes the removal of property, money, or store inventory from a storefront without the express permission of the owner or applicable employees. It can even include the removal of shopping carts from a store parking lot, depending on the applicable circumstances.
Criminal response to shoplifting varies depending on the value of that which it is said that you have supposedly taken. As such, you may face anything from $250 fines to jail time.
Classifying Instances of Retail Theft
More specifically, Florida statutes charges those individuals who have stolen merchandise worth less than $100 with 60 days in jail or $500 fines. The charges appear on a person’s criminal history as second-degree misdemeanors. If the merchandise stolen is allegedly worth less than $300 but more than $100, that charge rises to a petit theft charge of the first degree. You may spend up to one year in jail along with one year on probation. You may also face fines of up to $1,000.
Should the value of the merchandise allegedly taken from a storefront fall between $300 and $5,000, those accused may face third-degree felony charges. Individuals facing these charges face grand theft in the third degree, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. You may also be expected to pay fines of up to $5,000.
All parties may also see their driver’s licenses suspended for a minimum of six months. A court can then determine how best to apply this variety of punishments based on the value of items allegedly stolen and a person’s criminal history.
A Naples Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Defend You From Shoplifting Charges
Someone may level shoplifting charges against you for a variety of reasons. Some may include misinterpretations of storefront behavior while others may be distinctly malicious. If you find yourself contending with what you believe to be misplaced shoplifting charges, you have an opportunity to respond.
You can collaborate with a shoplifting lawyer in Naples to challenge these charges in court. Criminal defense lawyers understand that police officers and other applicable parties may be eager to take your words at the scene of an alleged crime out of context in order to prove their own points.
When we step in, usually as soon as possible in the face of these charges, we can prevent these parties from misinterpreting your intentions. Moreover, we can protect you from mistreatment as you might otherwise receive while waiting to post bail. We make it easier for you to contend with the Florida court system.
Appealing a Criminal Shoplifting Conviction
Our firm will do everything in our power to give you the opportunity to make your intentions upon arrest known. However, if it appears that a court is unwilling to hear your side of the story, not all hope is lost. We can work with you to appeal the decision made by a court regarding your shoplifting charges after said decision is made.
Appealing a charge of this manner does require you to begin serving some of the time that a court chose to affiliate with your case. However, you can trust our team to advocate for your right to fair treatment. We can reestablish your case by bringing a fresh eye to the evidence used to charge you.
Contending With Compounded Shoplifting Charges
Florida-specific laws make it easier for law enforcement to compound the charges brought against you and instances alleged to be shoplifting. Shop owners in Florida have what is known as shopkeepers’ privilege. This means that these individuals can detain those parties they believe to have the intent of shoplifting prior to the arrival of police officers.
Taking violent action against a shopkeeper who attempts to detain you can see you charged with criminal behavior. Aggravated charges can include assault, battery, or resisting arrest. These charges can complicate those already brought against you and make it more difficult to defend yourself in court.
Taking Action Against an Aggressive Shopkeeper
That said, we recognize that some shopkeepers may prove overzealous in their attempts to protect their ware. If you believe that you were assaulted or otherwise mistreated in the face of alleged shoplifting charges, you can let our team know.
While contesting the charges brought against you, we can discuss the means through which you may fight for compensation for your losses and either criminal or civil court. However, it is best to leave conversations about any criminal behavior you may have fallen victim to until after we have contested those charges brought against you.
Contest Undue Shoplifting Charges With an Experienced Naples Shoplifting Attorney
Responding to accusations of shoplifting puts a significant amount of pressure on you and your family. If you’re going to challenge these accusations, you need an experienced representative on your side. Fortunately, you can work with a Naples shoplifting lawyer to contest any shoplifting claims made against you.
For more information on how you can best defend yourself or a loved one against shoplifting charges, contact the Law Office of Robert H. Hanaford today. We can schedule a case consultation designed to address your charges and reduce the accusations leveled against you, or potentially even have them dismissed. You can contact us at (239) 315-9750 or through our contact form.
