There are many shoplifting cases that occur in the Phoenix area with many of them involving minors and the remainder involving adults. There are different ways in which these cases are resolved and a qualified Phoenix criminal defense lawyer will help you navigate the route in which your case takes. Sometimes it is possible to have the charges reduced and other times they can be dismissed.
Comprehensive Guidance In Your Case
One of the important roles of an attorney is to make sure you are aware of your rights and your options. By making you aware of what you are entitled to, regardless of innocence or guilt, you can work toward reaching a more satisfactory resolution in the case. Sometimes that resolution involves case dismissal or being able to have the charges reduced. Other times, the result is acquittal if there is reasonable doubt that the crime was actually committed. There are times that an act can be misconstrued as an act of shoplifting, which can include:
- Taking items out of a store without paying in a typical case of shoplifting
- Changing the tags or altering the tags of items in order to pay a different price
- Charging items to the account of an actual or fictitious person
- Transferring items from one container to another in order to conceal them or get them cheaper
The facts will be revealed in your case so that you can receive the best possible outcome and move forward with your life.
Helping You Achieve The Best Results
The penalties of shoplifting are harsh, as this crime is taken very seriously. Your Phoenix shoplifting attorney will look at the facts in the case in an effort to have the charges dismissed, reduced, or will argue your case in court in an effort to have you acquitted of the charges. If conviction does occur, the penalties are going to vary based on the value of the items, prior criminal convictions, and any other factors present in the case.
For instance, items valued over $2,000 can result in a class 5 felony, which results in probation, jail time, or prison time. However, items valued less than $1,000 can result in a misdemeanor unless the item stolen was a weapon, which means the charge will be upgraded to a class 6 felony and that can also involve jail time, as well as fines and a surcharge. The judge will determine the penalty, but there may be facts in the case that can result in the most lenient sentence possible. Your attorney will work all angles to make sure you receive the best result.
Contact A Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney
Shoplifting may seem like a minor crime, but it can have serious consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life. To receive the best possible result, you need an attorney by your side who knows how to use the law and the details in the case to work for you. You also need to ensure your rights are protected. To learn more about how Myles A. Schneider & Associates, LTD. Can help you, call 602-926-7373 for a free consultation.
