Call it shoplifting or retail theft – whatever name is used, it is a serious charge, and a conviction can seriously alter your future. Some people are under the impression that a retail theft charge is always a misdemeanor. However, shoplifting can be considered grand theft in the state of Florida (Florida Statute 812.014), depending upon the value of the merchandise stolen. In fact, a retail theft charge can range anywhere from a second degree misdemeanor to a third degree felony. If the value of the stolen items totals less than $100, the charge is petit theft in the second degree. For $100-300, the charge is upgraded to petit theft in the first degree, a first degree misdemeanor. When the amount is more than $300 but less than $5,000, the defendant will be charged with grand theft in the third degree, which is a third degree felony. Regardless of the level of severity, a theft conviction is not something you want on your record. If you have been charged with shoplifting, one of the experienced Fort Lauderdale defense lawyers at the Law Firm of Leader, Leader & Zucker, PLLC can provide you with the legal assistance you will need if you have been arrested in South Florida. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case or the value of the merchandise that was allegedly stolen, it is important that you consult with a Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney before talking with the authorities or entering any sort of plea. Otherwise, you could say or do something that would increase the severity of the charges against you.
The consequences of a shoplifting conviction can run anywhere from six months in the county jail to a $10,000 fine and up to 30 years in prison depending upon what was allegedly stolen and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Perhaps just as chilling as the actual terms of the sentencing is the prospect that you could spend the rest of your life with a criminal conviction on your record. In addition to being incarcerated or facing financial penalties, you could also have difficulties with loan applications, getting a job, or even obtaining financing in the future. To have a chance at avoiding such a dire outcome, you can consult a skilled, experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer at Leader, Leader & Zucker, PLLC who has successfully handled cases such as yours and who will work to ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the process in order to have the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome.
In Florida, theft charges are difficult to challenge because of the hard evidence, such as video surveillance from things like a home security camera, customarily associated with the case. Witnesses, which often include employees and security staff, will also testify against you. In addition to this, there may also be apartment video surveillance from local apartments that can act as evidence against you. And if the stolen item was found on you or with you, the evidence is even more damning. Your retail theft attorney in Fort Lauderdale will craft your defense based on several factors, such as whether you intended to steal the item, whether you left the premises with the item, whether you were wrongly searched based on race or ethnic background, and other important details. Even if it appears that there is no way out of the charges against you, an experienced shoplifting lawyer in Fort Lauderdale is skilled in challenging any and all evidence to ensure that you receive a fair hearing and trial. Because every case is different, and the circumstances surrounding the retail theft charges against you will be unique, your defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale will thoroughly evaluate and investigate your case to get to the bottom of the charges and develop the most effective defense possible. Knowing that you have experienced legal counsel upon which you can depend can relieve some of the stress and fear that you may be experiencing.
When you need an aggressive Fort Lauderdale defense lawyer to defend you against allegations of retail theft, Leader, Leader & Zucker, PLLC is the law firm with the breadth of experience in defending clients charged with a variety of theft crimes. Our experience and our proven track record provide the kind of defense that you can depend upon. Fill out our FREE CASE REVIEW form atwww.criminallawleader.com/contact/ or call 954.523.2020 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for an initial consultation. At Leader, Leader & Zucker, PLLC, we are here to help you protect your rights and your freedom as you fight the retail theft charges in Fort Lauderdale that have been brought against you.
Leader, Leader & Zucker, PLLC was founded and is operated with the fundamental principles of innovation, skill, experience, knowledge, aggressiveness and, most importantly, personal attention to all of its clients.
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633 South Andrews
Ave Suite 201
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
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954-523-2020
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