Shoplifting involves knowingly entering a store and stealing merchandise. It can count as a misdemeanor or felony<\/a> crime depending on the circumstances, value of the merchandise, and your criminal history. The law presumes that when someone uses a device or container to conceal an unpurchased item in a store, they were intending to shoplift.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to secure legal defense if you\u2019ve been charged with shoplifting, which may result in serious conviction on your record. Your lawyer might be able to prove that you didn\u2019t intend to steal and get your charges dropped or reduced.<\/p>\n You\u2019ve committed shoplifting<\/a> if you\u2019ve entered a business and taken merchandise with the intention to deprive that store of the item(s). While most people think of shoplifting as hiding something from a store in order to steal it, it can also involve charging goods to a fraudulent card. Shoplifting may include removing goods from a shelf or display without paying for them or disfiguring, substituting, removing, or altering a price tag or label in order to pay less for merchandise.<\/p>\n As mentioned, this offense can involve charging the price of the merchandise to someone else without their knowledge or to a fictitious person, along with concealing items with the intention to steal them. If you\u2019re caught transferring goods from their original container to a different one, you may receive a shoplifting charge.<\/p>\n Shoplifting penalties are determined by the details of the case, including the type and value of merchandise involved. The court may order you to perform public service and fulfill probation in addition to paying fines for the crime. If the merchandise stolen was worth less than $1,000, it\u2019s a class 1 misdemeanor<\/a> offense. The maximum penalty for this type of crime (if it\u2019s your first offense) is six months in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.<\/p>\n If the shoplifted item was a firearm, the crime is a class 6 felony, which is the least serious category for felonies. The presumptive prison term for this crime is a year in prison, or two years with aggravating factors<\/a>. Shoplifting property worth more than $1,000 but under $2,000 is also a class 6 felony offense. For stealing property worth at least $2,000, shoplifting goods during a continuing criminal episode, or taking items to assist or promote a criminal syndicate<\/a> or street gang, you may receive a class 5 felony charge.<\/p>\n If you have prior instances of robbery, burglary, or shoplifting on your record, the crime may escalate to a class 4 felony. This offense can come with more than three years in prison.<\/p>\n If your shoplifting offense results in a misdemeanor charge, you may be able to avoid a conviction through a deferred judgment<\/a> or diversion program. This type of program typically includes fines, community service, courses, and probation<\/a>. Your shoplifting lawyer can try to negotiate diversion for you to secure a more favorable outcome.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve received a shoplifting charge in Mesa, it\u2019s imperative that you have an experienced legal representative supporting you. They may be able to show that you never intended to shoplift and took the item on accident while you were distracted. Perhaps you were profiled or falsely accused of shoplifting, which could also qualify as a valid defense.<\/p>\n In other cases, you may be blamed for someone else\u2019s actions, such as switching tags on merchandise. Your lawyer could help show this to the court and potentially get your charges dismissed or dropped altogether. If someone accuses you of shoplifting, remember that you\u2019re entitled to have a lawyer present before you answer any questions.<\/p>\n Having a shoplifting conviction on your record can hurt your professional opportunities in the future and end up costing you a lot. For a situation like this, it isn\u2019t worth taking chances. Speak with one of our shoplifting lawyers in Mesa as soon as possible to protect your future.<\/p>\n JacksonWhite Law has been serving clients in the Mesa area since 1983. We offer a full range of legal assistance and have plenty of experience navigating cases just like yours with great success. As one of the biggest firms in the East Valley, we work to provide advanced, insightful legal solutions to families, businesses, and individuals throughout the state of Arizona.<\/p>\n From fines, to probation and jail time, being in legal trouble is no laughing matter. It could harm your opportunities in life and even make it harder to find a place to live. Speak with one of our skilled lawyers today to get answers to your questions and to protect your future.<\/p>\nShoplifting Laws in Mesa<\/h2>\n
Penalties for Shoplifting in Mesa<\/h2>\n
Defenses for Shoplifting in Mesa<\/h2>\n
JacksonWhite Law in Mesa, Arizona<\/h2>\n
JacksonWhite Mesa Office<\/h3>\n