The term “shoplifting” is typically thought of as walking out of a store with a stolen item concealed in your clothing. However, according to the law, there are many other ways to commit shoplifting in this state; carrying, hiding, concealing, or manipulating merchandise in any way may constitute a shoplifting charge in Carrollton. Because the legal definition of shoplifting is so broad, you need a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side to help you understand and tackle these allegations head-on.
If you have been accused of shoplifting, it is important that you seek out legal assistance as soon as possible. The state will not hesitate in building a case against you. Let a Carrollton shoplifting lawyer from our firm evaluate the charges you face and develop a strong defense that suits your unique needs. Contact J. Ryan Brown Law today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Many different fact patterns can result in a shoplifting arrest. What each of these situations has in common is the intent of the accused to unlawfully remove the merchandise from a store without paying for it. Notably, there are different ways this can be accomplished.
The most common form of shoplifting involves concealing merchandise in a person’s store before walking out without paying for it. However, there are other factors that can lead to a shoplifting arrest. One of the most common examples of shoplifting involves altering the price of an item (like switching the stickers from one item to another) and then purchasing it at a lower price. This could involve swapping the price of one item for another or altering the price listed on the tag.
Of course, some allegations of shoplifting involve misunderstandings. It is not uncommon for security guards or employees to allege shoplifting when customers place items into a shopping bag they brought from home. These allegations can also occur when someone mistakenly walks out of a store without paying first.
Whether there was a misunderstanding or not, it is crucial to take these charges seriously. A conviction for shoplifting could have life-long implications, so fighting back against these charges is essential. A Carrollton shoplifting attorney could work tirelessly to build a compelling defense in these cases.
The offense of shoplifting is considered to be one of the lower-level theft charges that exist under state law. While that might be true, there is no question that a conviction could have profound implications. These consequences go beyond the jail time resulting from such a charge.
Most of the time, shoplifting is considered a misdemeanor. This is because the value of the merchandise taken in most shoplifting cases is low. At most, a conviction for a first-time offender will lead to a maximum $1,000 fine and up to a single year in jail. Most people won’t face anywhere near that much time behind bars.
The penalties become much steeper for second and subsequent offenses, however. These penalties come in the form of mandatory minimums in some cases. For fourth and subsequent convictions, shoplifting is a felony charge that could result in up to 10 years in prison. A Carrollton shoplifting attorney can help defend against these allegations, whether they are treated as misdemeanors or felonies.
Many people assume that there is no point in fighting shoplifting charges, but this is simply not true. With a strong defense strategy and an experienced attorney by your side, it could be possible to prevail.
Let a Carrollton shoplifting lawyer advocate for you today. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to discuss your case with a compassionate legal professional.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
