Gainesville Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

Defending Those Who Have Been Accused Of Shoplifting in Alachua County

Businesses lose billions of dollars annually as a result of shoplifting. This is a significant loss and it accumulates one or two pieces of merchandise at a time. Laws defining and enforcing shoplifting in Florida may also refer to the crime as "retail theft" or "concealment of merchandise. "The act of shoplifting is no longer defined as just taking an item and leaving the store without paying for it.

Now you may be charged by simply concealing or hiding the piece of merchandise while still inside the store. There is assumed intent to commit the crime of shoplifting, so charges may be filed. If you or a loved one has been accused or charged with shoplifting in Florida, it is important to request the assistance of a Gainesville shoplifting lawyer immediately.

Charged with shoplifting in Florida? Don't face your charges alone. Contact us online or call (352) 375-6229 today to start your defense.  

Zealous Shoplifting Defense in Florida

Sometimes simple oversight or misunderstandings can blow up into a full-fledged legal situation. Retail businesses will not be merciful or forgiving if they feel you have attempted to steal from them. They are not okay with losing money, no matter what the circumstances may be. It is within their rights to protect their business and prosecute anyone believed to be involved with or committing theft or larceny. In order to assist businesses in fighting this growing crime, statutes have been enacted giving authority to stores and their employees the right to legally detain someone suspected of shoplifting.

There are procedural laws governing what they can and cannot do while detaining a suspect. You too have rights. The constitution provides legal rights and you have every right to defend yourself against the charges. Every case has its own set of circumstances but the charges may escalate from an infraction or misdemeanor to a felony depending on the value of the shoplifted items. Consequences may result in probation, fines or a jail sentence.

Common Shoplifting Crimes in Florida

Shoplifting, also known as retail theft, encompasses various types of theft and fraud involving taking merchandise from a store without paying. In Florida, these actions fall under the broader category of "theft crimes" and can range from minor misdemeanors to more serious felonies, depending on the value of the items taken and the circumstances. Here are the most common types of shoplifting crimes in Florida:

• Petty Theft: This involves stealing merchandise valued under $750, typically considered a misdemeanor. Petty theft can result in fines, jail time, and a criminal record, which may have long-term effects on employment and education opportunities.
• Grand Theft: When merchandise stolen is valued over $750, the crime may be charged as grand theft, which is a felony. Penalties are harsher and can include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent felony record.
• Price Tag Switching: Altering or swapping price tags to pay less for an item is also a form of shoplifting. While it may seem less serious, this crime is treated as theft in Florida and can result in criminal charges, particularly if multiple items or higher values are involved.
• Refund Fraud: Returning items without a receipt or using false information to obtain refunds or store credits is another common form of shoplifting. This crime is typically prosecuted similarly to traditional shoplifting cases.
• Concealment: Simply concealing merchandise in a bag or on one's person with the intent to leave the store without paying can constitute shoplifting in Florida, even if the individual hasn’t left the store.

How a Gainesville Shoplifting Lawyer Can Help

For those facing shoplifting charges in Gainesville, consulting an experienced attorney from Kinsell Law Firm can make a significant difference in the case outcome. Our experienced legal team can offer several advantages, including:

• Evaluating the Charges: An experienced Gainesville shoplifting lawyer will analyze the details of the case, examining evidence, witness statements, and any procedural errors by law enforcement. They can determine whether there are grounds for a dismissal or reduced charges.
• Protecting Legal Rights: Attorneys ensure that clients’ rights are protected throughout the legal process. This includes advising clients not to incriminate themselves, challenging any unlawfully obtained evidence, and ensuring proper legal procedures are followed.
• Negotiating with Prosecutors: A skilled lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce the charges, such as lowering a felony charge to a misdemeanor or pursuing diversion programs that may allow the client to avoid a criminal record.
• Building a Strong Defense: For those who decide to fight the charges, a shoplifting attorney can help build a robust defense, which may include proving lack of intent, mistaken identity, or challenging the accuracy of the prosecution’s evidence.
• Exploring Alternative Sentencing: A shoplifting attorney in Gainesville can help clients access alternative sentencing options, such as probation or community service, especially for first-time offenders. This can reduce or avoid jail time and minimize the lasting impact of a criminal record.

Shoplifting in Gainesville is taken seriously and can have significant consequences, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. Individuals facing these charges should avoid common mistakes and seek the guidance of our dedicated Gainesville shoplifting attorneys who can navigate the legal system, protect their rights, and work toward a favorable outcome.

Let Our Gainesville Shoplifting Attorneys Fight For You

Kinsell Law Firm has a great deal of experience defending individuals who have been accused and charged with shoplifting. We understand that overwhelming circumstances may apply in your situation. We will thoroughly review and evaluate all the details of your case. No matter how uncertain or fearful you may feel as a result of being detained and charged, defending yourself requires confidence in your right to fair treatment.

Need a lawyer for a shoplifting charge in Florida? We are here for you. Call (352) 375-6229 and contact and Gainesville shoplifting lawyer from our firm today.