Every person who faces criminal prosecution for alleged illegal activity has the right to demand a Trial. Shoplifting cases are no exception. A conviction can have a profound impact on your future. Fighting back by presenting a defense at Trial may be your best option to avoid these consequences.
A Lawyer is ready to develop a defense proving your innocence during Pompano Beach shoplifting Trials. A dedicated Attorney can analyze the information a Prosecutor intends to bring to Court, fight to exclude illegal evidence before the case gets to Trial, and prepare you for what to expect on the day of a Trial.
Why Take a Shoplifting Case to Trial?
As trivial as a shoplifting case can appear, the state’s criminal Courts must deal with these issues as examples of theft. Florida Statute § 812.014 places shoplifting under the definition of theft: taking the property of another without permission and with the intent to deprive the owner of its use. As a result, a shoplifting case will move forward under the state’s theft laws.
The penalties for a conviction will depend on the value of the items involved. Many theft cases will be Misdemeanors and under the category of petit theft. If the value of the item in question is above $750, it will be a Felony. This means that a conviction is likely to result in jail time. Avoiding this outcome motivates people to take the case to Trial.
In addition, a prior criminal history involving shoplifting may also be a factor in a case. According to Fla. Stat. § 812.015, any conviction for shoplifting when a defendant has a prior conviction on their record will bring additional fines. An Attorney is ready to fight in Court to protect an individual’s rights and freedoms no matter the circumstances surrounding a charge.
What to Expect When a Shoplifting Case Goes to Trial
The first thing to remember about any criminal Trial is that a Prosecutor must prove each portion of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. This means they need to show that a person took steps towards stealing an item from a store and intended to do so. Prosecutors may attempt to introduce various pieces of evidence as proof of a defendant’s guilt, including:
- Video footage
- Witness statements
- Testimony from shop workers
- A supposed confession while in Police custody
An Attorney in Pompano Beach can work to challenge the credibility of any piece of prosecution evidence at shoplifting Trials. This may involve pointing out the grainy nature of video footage, questioning a witness’s memory, or challenging a shop worker’s conclusions.
Defendants in these cases also have the option of testifying in their own defense. However, this is never a requirement. Many powerful defenses move forward without legal counsel calling witnesses or producing evidence. A Lawyer will work to recommend the best choice of action that fits an individual’s case.
An Attorney Can Take the Lead in Pompano Beach Shoplifting Trials
Bringing a shoplifting case to Trial may be your only chance of avoiding the penalties that come with a criminal conviction. Shoplifting cases are serious matters that can come with life-changing consequences. Forcing a Prosecutor to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt may be your best option.
A Leifert & Leifert Lawyer is ready to stand by your side during Pompano Beach shoplifting Trials. They can explain what a Prosecutor must prove, prepare you for what to expect in Court, and present a defense that helps raise the concept of reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors. Speak with our team today to learn more.
