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Shoplifting is a serious charge in Florida. Shoplifting could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case.
It is essential to have the support of a seasoned theft lawyer, whether you are dealing with a misdemeanor or a felony charge. In Wellington, the Rossen Law Firm has skilled shoplifting lawyers who can assist you right from the beginning of your case, even if you have not yet been charged with a crime.
Shoplifting can take several forms, and in Florida law, it is commonly known as retail theft. Retail theft can occur in several scenarios, such as when a person obtains goods, money, or other items, takes off a label, price tag, or other product-specific indicator, takes a shopping cart, or moves merchandise with the purpose of dispossessing it from the merchant or to avoid paying the value of the goods in question.
As an attorney can explain, the nature and severity of shoplifting charges in Wellington will revolve heavily around the value of the goods that were allegedly stolen. The greater the value of the goods involved, the more severe penalties could be imposed. If the accused individual has a prior criminal record, this could be an aggravating factor that could increase the sentence they may face if convicted.
If a person steals goods from a retail store worth more than $750 within a period of 30 days, they can be charged with a third-degree felony. Similarly, if someone, alone or with the help of others, steals retail goods worth more than $3,000 over a period of 30 days, they may face second-degree felony charges. Additionally, if a person commits grand theft of goods valued between $750 and $20,000, they can also be charged with a third-degree felony.
A second-degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. A third-degree felony carries a maximum prison term of 5 years. In addition to the potential loss of freedom due to incarceration, a conviction for shoplifting can also carry high fines, the requirement to pay restitution, a permanent criminal record, and more.
A Wellington attorney can customize your defense strategy based on the specific charge(s) you are facing. Defenses for a shoplifting charge may include lack of intent or mistaken identity.
In some cases, the matter may be easily explained as a simple mistake with which an item was accidentally left in a shopping cart, or the scanner failed to register the item at check-out. If there is a lack of evidence to support the prosecution’s case, this could also be used as a possible defense.
Shoplifting or retail theft is a serious offense that can lead to severe consequences. However, depending on the situation, it may be possible to negotiate a plea bargain or reduce the charges with the prosecution.
In some cases, it may be possible to seek a dismissal of the charges entirely. An award-winning Wellington shoplifting lawyer can explain what legal options may be at your disposal based on the facts of your case. If you have been accused of theft, seek advice from our theft lawyers in Wellington.
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Rossen Law Firm’s legal team understands what’s at stake when you’re charged with a crime in South Florida. We’re committed to defending you and protecting your rights. Our legal team is ready to create a customized strategy for your case to fight for the best possible outcome. We handle Criminal, DUI, Federal, Domestic Violence, Marchman Act & Baker Act cases, and more.
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