Being accused of a shoplifting offense could cause you to experience significant penalties depending upon a conviction. Although shoplifting may not necessitate the most serious of penalties, a criminal conviction could still affect your ability to obtain or maintain a good job, career or professional license and have adverse consequences on your lifestyle and livelihood.
If you have been accused of shoplifting, it is in your best interests to retain the services of a Boca Raton shoplifting Lawyer. A seasoned criminal defense Attorney at Leifert & Leifert will review the details of your case during your first free initial consultation and provide you with insight regarding your legal options.
Shoplifting Laws in Boca Raton
Shoplifting is a form of theft that involves stealing goods from a store or other type of retail establishment. Shoplifting and other theft offenses are described in the Florida Statutes under Chapter 812 of Title XLVI. State law distinguishes between different degrees of Theft, which includes shoplifting and petit theft, based on the value of the goods that were stolen.
Determining a Petit Theft Accusation
Shoplifting offenses categorized as Petit Theft involve stealing goods with a value of less than $300. In Boca Raton, petit theft or shoplifting can be charged in the first or second degree based on the value of the goods allegedly taken and/or if there is any prior theft convictions on your record.
Shoplifting merchandise worth less than $100 is charged as a second-degree misdemeanor. If the items taken were worth between $100 and $300, the offense would be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor offense.
The penalties for Petit Theft offenses in the second degree could include a $500 fine and imprisonment for up to 60 days in Jail. The penalties for Petit Theft offenses in the first degree may also include a $1,000 fine and imprisonment for up to one year in Jail. A Boca Raton shoplifting Lawyer could answer questions about Petit Theft shoplifting offenses in the first or second degree and help resolve them in your favor, in most instances with no conviction or Jail. First offenders are typically able to get their charges Dismissed when using an experienced criminal defense attorney, like those at Leifert & Leifert.
What Constitutes a Grand Theft Charge?
Shoplifting offenses may be considered Grand Theft if the items stolen were worth $300 or more. In Boca Raton, shoplifting offenses can be charged in the first, second, or third degree if the value of good allegedly taken were valued at $300 or more.
Shoplifting merchandise with a value between $300 and $20,000 constitutes Grand Theft in the third degree. The penalties for third degree grand theft shoplifting offenses include a $5,000 fine and a prison sentence of up to five years. Second degree Grand Theft involves stolen property valued between $20,000 and $100,000 and is punishable by a $10,000 fine and a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Shoplifting offenses charged as grand theft in the first degree involve the theft of merchandise or goods valued at over $100,000. The penalties for first degree shoplifting offenses include a $10,000 fine and a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
Contact a Boca Raton Shoplifting Attorney Today
You do not have to face shoplifting charges on your own. Without the appropriate legal knowledge, you could find it especially difficult to defend yourself without the help of an Attorney, particularly if you happen to have prior convictions for shoplifting. Let a Boca Raton shoplifting Lawyer assist you by working to obtain the best possible outcome for you.
In addition to fighting for an optimal outcome in your case, one of our dedicated Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could also safeguard your legal rights, including the right to a fair trial. Schedule a consultation today to get started.