Shoplifting Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Although common, shoplifting is a serious criminal offense that occurs when a shop patron willingly takes an item without purchasing it or switches or alters the price tag on the item to lower its price.
Shoplifting occurs when a person steals something from a store or business establishment. Shoplifting falls under the crime of petty theft. If someone intends to steal something from a store and attempts to do so or actually does so, it is considered to be shoplifting. Switching labels on clothing or other items for the purpose of paying less for it, or removing price tags, is also considered shoplifting.
Discover how we can represent you after a shoplifting charge in South Florida.
Shoplifting Penalties in Florida
The penalties for shoplifting vary, depending upon the worth of what was stolen, and on the criminal history of the offender. If the price of the item stolen is less than $100, the crime would be a second-degree misdemeanor with a sentence of up to 60 days in jail. If the item stolen costs between $100 and $300, the charge would be a first-degree misdemeanor, with a sentence of up to a year in jail. First-time shoplifters are usually sentenced to one year of informal probation and a small fine.
If you or a loved one has been charged with the crime of shoplifting, it is important that you consult with a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney from DiRenzo Defense. The firm is committed to protecting your legal rights and will use its many years of experience as a state prosecutor to prepare the effective defense you deserve.
Proving Shoplifting Charges
If a store employee suspects a person of shoplifting they may apprehend/ detain that person until the police arrive. It is considered reasonable suspicion of shoplifting if, when the customer leaves the store, the door alarm goes off. If a person resists being apprehended, they may also be charged with resisting arrest.
Shoplifting charges are usually proved by what is viewed on the store’s video camera, by store staff, security, or by others who saw what occurred. If the case is not a strong one we may be able to get the charges reduced to trespassing or even dismissed altogether. Contact a Fort Lauderdale Shoplifting Lawyer today for help with your shoplifting case.