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While some people consider shoplifting a minor offense, the reality is that any criminal conviction on your record could haunt you for years. This is especially true if your record was previously clear at the time of your arrest.
You are entitled to a vigorous defense in these cases, and a Denver shoplifting lawyer could help you get the best available outcome. With the support of a dedicated theft attorney at Petrash Law, a conviction is far from a certainty.
While there are different ways for a person to commit the crime of shoplifting, the offense is generally defined as knowingly obtaining or exercising control over the goods of a merchant without paying.
Many of these cases involve a person simply carrying away unpurchased merchandise. They might act confidently, as if they had purchased the item previously, only to walk out with it in their hands without paying.
Other cases involve acts of deception to get the item out of the store. The most common example is secreting the item in a person’s clothing or pockets without being seen.
There are also situations where the accused paid for the item but managed to alter the price to pay for less than what it is worth. This usually involves changing a price tag or switching it with another item so that it costs less than its posted price. In other words, it is possible to face charges for shoplifting even when paying a portion of what it is worth.
Any of these situations can lead to an arrest and criminal charges. While the situation might feel hopeless for some people, letting an attorney in Denver develop a strategy in a shoplifting case could help avoid a conviction.
Unlike many other criminal charges, there is no sentencing range for the crime of shoplifting. Instead, state law applies a range of consequences based on the value of the items allegedly stolen. For low-value items, this offense is considered a Class 1 petty offense that carries no more than a year in jail. In most cases, first-time offenders can typically avoid incarceration entirely.
This offense becomes a felony when the stolen items are worth between $2,000 and $5,000 and can lead to a jail term of up to 18 months. While it is unlikely in shoplifting cases, taking something worth $1 million or more carries a prison term of eight to 24 years.
There are other consequences outside of jail time and fines to consider. For example, someone convicted of a felony will lose rights related to firearms or voting. A criminal record can also make it difficult to keep a job or find adequate housing. These steep penalties make it crucial to seek help from a Denver shoplifting attorney right away.
You deserve a vigorous defense when you have been accused of retail theft. These arrests often stem from a misunderstanding, and having the support of legal counsel could reduce the risk of a conviction. Reach out to Denver shoplifting lawyer and former prosecutor Mike Petrash to discuss your legal options today.