Shoplifting is a severe criminal offense, and a charge should be handled with precision and care. Based on the overall value of the alleged merchandise taken, as well as any previous convictions, the repercussions of a charge like this can be devastating.
While a charge is not the same as a conviction, hiring a Newnan shoplifting lawyer is an important step to defending against a shoplifting charge. Contacting our office will allow you to speak with an experienced theft attorney to review your case.
Any type of theft conviction can have serious repercussions. The severity of charges varies depending on the value of the items stolen and if you have any prior shoplifting convictions. Someone could be charged with a either misdemeanor or a more serious felony. Generally, a misdemeanor shoplifting crime is if someone takes items of value worth $500 or less.
On the other hand, taking property from a store worth more than $300 is a felony punishable by one to ten years in prison. Additionally, a fourth conviction for shoplifting is a felony in Georgia. Felony charges have long-standing after-effects on the lives of convicted parties that may also impact their personal lives and livelihood.
A trusted shoplifting attorney can further explain misdemeanor and felonies in Newnan to ensure you fully understand the charges being presented against you.
Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-8-14, shoplifting is when someone takes goods without paying for them or denying the owner of possession of the goods or their value by performing certain actions. These actions generally involve some form of deceit.
A few examples of shoplifting include a person:
A prosecutor must prove intent to achieve a conviction. Acquiring the services of a Newnan shoplifting defense attorney can prove beneficial to refute the charges against you.
The court must show that a person accused of taking goods from a store is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. One element is intent, meaning that prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intended to commit the acts before a conviction can be secured.
Intent can be a problematic element for prosecutors to establish successfully. An experienced attorney in Newnan who has handled previous shoplifting cases will seek to find flaws in the prosecutor’s arguments and evidence in an attempt to disprove intent where possible.
Additionally, a defense team will gather additional evidence and testimony to build a rebuttal based on the facts of the case. It is almost always beneficial for an accused person to obtain counsel as early as possible to preserve evidence and allow sufficient time to put together the best defense possible.
If you are facing charges, you need the help of a Newnan shoplifting lawyer to protect your rights, freedom, and reputation. However, time is of the essence. From the moment you are charged, the prosecutor begins building a case against you. By contacting our office, you can set up a meeting to discuss your case and legal options.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
