If you have been caught shoplifting in Florida, you may be charged with either petty theft or grand theft. If you steal merchandise valued between $40 to $400, the charge is called petty theft. Fines up to $400 may be imposed as well as jail time.
The Penalties Can Be Severe
You will need assistance from a criminal lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL, whether you are charged with petty theft or grand theft or whether or not you are a repeat offender. If you get caught shoplifting over $400 worth of merchandise, you may spend several months in a jail cell. The fines as well can be quite severe.
Have You Been Charged with a Misdemeanor Crime?
In some instances, a criminal lawyer can help you prevent jail time if you are charged with misdemeanor shoplifting. When this happens, you may take part in a program called pre-trial intervention. This type of support also keeps a shoplifting conviction off your record. In this instance, you will still need to pay restitution and the associated fees. You may also have to enter a rehabilitation counseling program.
Second-Degree Felonies
A criminal lawyer can also help plan your defense if you are charged with a second-degree felony in which where you steal merchandise at least $3000 in value. If you receive this type of charge, you are not given any allowances even if this is your first shoplifting offence. In this instance, prison time can span as much as 15 years. Your attorney can be helpful in getting the charges reduced or, in some instances, dismissed.
Who to Contact Online
If you have been arrested for shoplifting merchandise, regardless of the amount, you need to contact a criminal defense attorney. Learn more about your rights in this respect by calling the Stokes Law Firm. Make sure that you have a chance in court by aligning yourself with a competent attorney. You can also follow them on Twitter.
