Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in California, but that doesn’t mean the penalties will be light. Large fines, imprisonment, criminal records, and other penalties can all be a part of your punishment.
Willfully entering a commercial establishment with the intent to steal property is classified as shoplifting. Upon being charged or arrested for this, you need an expert defense attorney to be on your team.
With over 15 years of experience, Michael Marley of Marley Law embodies the expertise required to represent your shoplifting case in Orange County. To schedule a free consultation, make sure to call (949) 726-6000 or fill out a quick form on our Contact Page.
Continue reading to learn more about examples of shoplifting, possible penalties, and potential defense strategies.
Common Examples of Commercial Shoplifting
If an individual intentionally steals property from a business, store, or commercial building and it is valued under $950, then the crime is considered shoplifting. Some common examples include but are not limited to:
- Stealing a ring from a jewelry store valued under $950
- Shoving various types of clothing into a backpack or handbag
- Pocketing a pack of gum at the checkout aisle
- Wearing clothes you didn’t buy out of the store
- Stealing a phone or other devices by putting them in your pocket or bag
Being arrested and charged with shoplifting requires a defense attorney that has the experience to defend your case. Marley Law will be there for you every step of the way.
The Consequences of a Conviction
Typically, shoplifting is tried as a misdemeanor larceny offense where the punishments vary in severity due to multiple factors (what was stolen, how much it was worth, where did the incident happen). Penalties that can be sentenced in a shoplifting case are as follows:
- Large fines
- Jail time of sometimes months to years
- Restitution
- Community service
- Building a criminal record
- Probation
- Anti-shoplifting classes
To avoid these consequences, utilize the shoplifting legal defense services of Marley Law. You are innocent until proven guilty!
How a Defense Attorney Might Defend Your Case
Legal defenses can vary based on the details of your specific case. Some examples of defense strategies include:
- Lack of intent, or it was an accident
- You were falsely accused
- You were a victim of entrapment
- Simply borrowed the property with the intent to return it
- Miscommunication between the shop and the accused
Call (949) 726-6000 today to get in contact with Attorney Michael Marley and get the legal representation you deserve. The best Orange County shoplifting defense attorney, Marley Law.
