Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney
Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney
Shoplifting may seem minor, but being charged with such a crime carries serious consequences that may result in heavy fines and possible jail or prison time. In Florida, shoplifting is defined as unlawfully taking possession of property with the intention of depriving the merchant of it. Altering or removing price tags, as well as transferring item into another container also falls under the crime of shoplifting. There are criminal and civil penalties associated with these crimes and they should be taken very seriously. That is why you need a theft crime lawyer who can skillfully defend your rights. At Rudenberg and Glasser, P.A., we can guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
While many people think of shoplifting as a minimal, often juvenile offense, it is treated far differently. If you have been accused of retail theft, you cannot take this criminal charge lightly. Your future and reputation, and freedom could be on the line at this time!
So what does the state of Florida define as shoplifting?
Any of these actions must be coupled with the intent to deprive the merchant of the use of, possession of, or full retail value of the product in question. As you can see, even the simple act of switching price tags on an item could result in you facing criminal charges.
Shoplifting has severe penalties depending on the worth of the stolen property and the circumstances surrounding the shoplifting incident.
The penalties include some of the following:
In addition to these penalties, you can also face civil penalties. The merchant whose property was stolen has the right to sue a shoplifter in civil court for three times the actual damages caused (the value of the stolen property), with a minimum fine of $200. That means you could face an additional $200 fee for an item worth $5. On top of that, you may also be ordered to pay for attorney’s fees and court costs.
It is important to build your defense to prove that you were wrongly accused and to clear your name. Even if you unintentionally took or removed an item out of negligence, our firm can fight to have your charges dropped or reduced.
Retaining legal representation is vital when you have been accused of shoplifting. If you need a qualified theft crime attorney, we can help.
If you are being accused of shoplifting, it is crucial to obtain our legal help. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney team can provide you with exceptional guidance and defense. We can investigate the circumstances of your charges to find any doubt or false information. Having handled thousands of criminal cases, we are more than prepared to take on your case. You can feel secure knowing you will receive personalized and aggressive legal representation.
Contact Rudenberg and Glasser, P.A. today to receive more information!