SHOPLIFTING ATTORNEY IN FORT LAUDERDALE
SHOPLIFTING LAWS IN FLORIDA
Shoplifting refers to the theft of merchandise from a store or place of business. This theft crime is a form of larceny, which entails taking property without permission of the owner with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.
Generally, shoplifting offenses include the following two elements:
- Willfully concealing and taking items being offered for sale, and
- Intending to permanently deprive the rightful owner’s possession of the items without paying the purchase price.
Concealing merchandise, even if it never makes it out of the store, still shows evidence of intent to commit a crime and can be enough to secure a shoplifting conviction. A person may also face shoplifting charges if they attempt to avoid paying the full purchase price for an item, either by manipulating the merchandise, putting goods into different packaging, or altering price tags.
Like all theft crimes, shoplifting is punishable by fines, incarceration, and/or probation. If you are facing charges for shoplifting in Broward County, the time is now to speak with an Fort Lauderdale shoplifting attorney at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. We may be able to have your charges reduced or dropped, potentially helping you to avoid maximum penalty.
Take the first step towards protecting your freedom with the help of our shoplifting lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Contact Hager & Schwartz, P.A. today.
FLORIDA SHOPLIFTING CLASSIFICATIONS
Although this definition holds from state to state, shoplifting crimes are handled differently in each state. In Florida, shoplifting penalties are classified as either “grand theft” or “petty theft.”
PENALTIES FOR SHOPLIFTING IN FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
Grand theft charges involve the theft of items valued at between $300 and $20,000. A third-degree felony, a conviction for grand theft can result in up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Second-degree petty theft applies to theft of merchandise valued at less than $100. If convicted, this misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500. Petty theft in the first degree involves the theft of merchandise valued at between $100 and $300. This first-degree misdemeanor can result in up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
DEFENSE FOR SHOPLIFTING CHARGES IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
If you have been arrested and charged with shoplifting in Broward County, FL, we encourage you to secure experienced legal counsel as soon as possible. Backed by decades of experience, including experience as prosecutors, our Fort Lauderdale shoplifting attorneys know what it takes to effectively protect the rights of the accused, and have successfully resolved numerous cases for satisfied clients.
The Fort Lauderdale shoplifting lawyers at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. will review your case for free. To see how we can assist you, please call (954) 840-8713. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
