West Palm Beach Shoplifting Lawyers

Aggressively Fighting Retail Theft Charges

Shoplifting, also known as retail theft, is a serious offense in Florida. It involves the unlawful act of taking property or altering product codes or price tags to deprive a merchant of their merchandise. The gravity of the charge varies, and it can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on factors such as the type and value of the property involved. Understanding the nuances of these charges is crucial for anyone facing such allegations.

Navigating shoplifting cases can be a complex and challenging process. To pursue a favorable outcome, it's essential to investigate and analyze evidence. Building a compelling narrative and presenting persuasive arguments before a prosecutor, judge, or jury demands familiarity with criminal defense. Without a comprehensive understanding of the legal process and experience in this field, each stage of the proceedings can be fraught with difficulties.

At The Skier Law Firm, P.A., we provide counsel to individuals facing shoplifting charges in West Palm Beach. We recognize a criminal charge's profound impact on a person's life and understand their unique challenges while trying to protect their rights. That's why our team works tirelessly to ensure that our clients' voices are heard and their best interests are represented throughout the legal process.

Contact our experienced West Palm Beach shoplifting attorneys at (561) 220-3355 to discuss your case.

Understanding Shoplifting Charges

Shoplifting is a criminal offense involving taking property from a merchant or altering merchandise to deprive the merchant of its full value. In simpler terms, it's the act of unlawfully acquiring goods from a store without paying for them or tampering with the product's pricing or labels to obtain it at a reduced cost.

Florida Statute § 812.05 provides a comprehensive definition of retail theft, encompassing various actions related to shoplifting.

These actions include the following:

• Physically taking or carrying away merchandise of value, which is the most common scenario people associate with shoplifting
• Removing labels, product codes, or price tags from items
• Transferring merchandise from one container to another to alter its apparent value

Shoplifting encompasses a range of behaviors, and individuals facing these charges should seek legal counsel from a West Palm Beach retail theft lawyer to navigate their circumstances effectively.

Consequences of Shoplifting

Shoplifting convictions in Florida can lead to various penalties, including fines, probation, and even jail time. The severity of these penalties depends on several factors, such as the value of the stolen property, the specific acts involved, and the alleged offender's criminal history.

For instance, under Florida's theft law (Florida Statutes § 812.014), taking property valued at $100 or more but less than $750 is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. Felony charges may be filed when the value exceeds $750.

Additionally, Florida Statutes § 812.05 outlines various scenarios that can result in felony retail theft charges, such as:

• Coordinating retail theft
• Conspiring with someone to commit retail theft
• Committing multiple retail theft offenses within a 30-day period

A shoplifting conviction can have lasting consequences on one's criminal record. Such a conviction can tarnish a person's reputation and make it difficult to secure employment or housing in the future. A lawyer can seek to minimize or potentially avoid these penalties.

At The Skier Law Firm, P.A., our experienced West Palm Beach shoplifting attorneys have a track record of handling complex criminal cases. We employ a strategic and results-oriented approach to fight our clients’ charges.

Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team by calling (561) 220-3355 today.