Boca Raton Shoplifting Lawyer

While some cities and states have decriminalized certain shoplifting offenses, Florida has not followed their lead. Shoplifting arrests are a frequent occurrence in Boca Raton and the surrounding areas, and these charges carry serious penalties. If convicted, you could be ordered to perform hours of community service, pay a fine, or even go to jail.

At Rossen Law Firm, we know that people make mistakes. We can help you move on by determining the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, negotiating for a reduced sentence or dismissal, and fighting for a second chance for you. A Boca Raton shoplifting lawyer can help you fight back against theft charges.

What is Shoplifting?

Shoplifting is charged as retail theft in Florida and occurs when merchandise is taken from a store without paying for it or other acts are committed that deprive the store owner of the merchandise’s full retail value. Shoplifting can be permanent or temporary in nature, so if you plan to use an item and return it, you could still be charged.

Removing a label from an item, moving merchandise from one container to another, and taking a shopping cart from a store’s property, are all examples of shoplifting. Because of the high volume of clients we serve, our Boca Raton lawyers are skilled at defending shoplifting charges that encompass all kinds of circumstances.

Punishment for Retail Theft Offenses

Florida punishes retail theft crimes based on the dollar value of the merchandise allegedly stolen, as well as whether you have a previous criminal record. Crimes charged as petit theft are first-degree misdemeanors if the merchandise involved is valued between $100 and $300, and second-degree misdemeanors if the merchandise is worth less than $100.

Aggravating circumstances, such as a prior theft conviction, can raise a second-degree misdemeanor to first-degree, punishable by up to a year in jail. The judge can also levy a fine of up to $1,000, according to Florida Statutes § 775.083. Judges may also order community service and the suspension of your driver’s license for up to six months for the first offense and a year for the second.

Felony Theft

You can be charged with a third-degree felony for a third shoplifting arrest or if the merchandise involved is valued at more than $300 and up to $5,000, when charges go from shoplifting to grand theft. An expert Boca Raton attorney can explain the different types of shoplifting charges in more detail during your initial strategy session.

Defenses to Shoplifting Charges

We will tailor your defense to the facts and actions surrounding your case. You may have been misidentified and have an alibi. Perhaps you were daydreaming and walked out of a store without paying, but with no intent to steal. Maybe an arresting officer violated your constitutional rights with an improper search, or forgot to read you your Miranda rights.

You are not guilty until the prosecutor proves beyond a doubt that you are, and our experienced defense team can punch holes in that proof.

Reach Out To A Boca Raton Shoplifting Attorney Today

One mistake should not define your future. And although a shoplifting charge is serious, it is not a reason to give up hope or resign yourself to letting it define you. We can help by directing our vast experience as negotiators and trial attorneys to your situation.

You need an advocate that understands how the system works and can present a high-quality defense. Our Boca Raton shoplifting lawyers are here to help. Contact Rossen Law Firm today to get started.