Shoplifting

Arrested for Shoplifting?

Even if you were caught by security walking out of a store with unpaid for items, shoplifting cases are not always straightforward affairs. Did you forget to put an item back? Did you forget to remove clothing your were trying on? Proving a person willfully and intentionally walked out of a store with unpaid items is essential in shoplifting cases.

In cases involving juveniles, store security should notify the minor's parents and call police. If store security fail to notify police or a juvenile's parents, they can be held liable. At the law office of Michael M. Sheffield, we represent persons accused of shoplifting. We gain access to store security camera video, interview witnesses, and review the actions of store security. If a plea is preferred, Mr. Sheffield can attempt to reduce the charges or sentence against you.

If you've been arrested for shoplifting, contact criminal defense lawyer Michael M. Sheffield today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

Forms of Shoplifting

The law office of Michael M. Sheffield represents people accused of shoplifting involving the following:

• Taking an item out of its package and placing it in another package
• Changing price tags
• Eating food while in the grocery store
• Concealing items on one's person
• Replacing a previously purchased item with a new one
• Attempting to return an item taken from the store
• Using a false receipt to return stolen items

Felony and Misdemeanor Shoplifting

Shoplifting is a misdemeanor when the value of the items taken is $300 or less. Shoplifting is a felony if the value of the items exceeds $300, if this is the accused's fourth shoplifting offense, or if the accused has stolen $100 worth of merchandise from 3 different stores in 7 days in the same county. If convicted for felony shoplifting, you could receive 1 to 10 years in prison. Repeat offenders convicted of a fourth shoplifting offense are required to spend at least a year in jail.

Understanding Your Rights in Shoplifting Cases

Under the law, store owners have certain rights and responsibilities - and so do the accused. The way a store owner treats the accused can impact the case against them and in extreme cases, provide grounds for pursuing a civil suit against the merchant.

If a store owner or a store employee sees someone stealing goods, they have a right to detain the person until the police arrive. Store security or store employees have a right to ask questions and conduct their own investigation during this time. They do not have a right, however, to search the accused or their personal belongings for stolen property unless they saw the accused steal or conceal an item. If nothing is found, they cannot detain a person or attempt to intimidate them.

Contact Shoplifting Attorney Michael M. Sheffield Today

If you have been accused of theft or shoplifting in a retail store, contact criminal defense attorney Michael M. Sheffield today to schedule a free consultation. We can help you evaluate the case against you and the actions of store employees.