A person who takes something from a store without paying for it could be prosecuted for shoplifting. This could be a misdemeanor or a felony charge depending on the value of the items the person is accused of taking. Anyone charged with shoplifting will want to make sure they speak with a criminal defense law attorney in St. Charles, MO as quickly as possible after their arrest to get help.
Misdemeanor or Felony Charge?
A shoplifting charge will be a felony if the allegedly amount stolen is valued at $500 or more. Additionally, it could be a felony if a firearm was used or if certain items were stolen. Otherwise, the charge will be a misdemeanor. If a person is not sure whether their charge is a felony or a misdemeanor, they will want to have a lawyer explain the difference to them as quickly as possible so they know what to expect.
Consequences for a Conviction
The consequences for a shoplifting conviction depend on whether the person is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor convictions can lead to fines and up to one year in jail. A felony charge where the amount was stolen was less than $25,000 in value could lead to up to seven years in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. If the amount stolen is valued higher than $25,000, the potential jail term could be much higher.
Fighting the Charges
The only way for a person to fight these charges is to speak with an attorney. The attorney will review the charges against the arrested person and then ask for their side of the story. The attorney can then look into ways to have the charges dismissed, lowered, or at least minimize the sentence the person is facing. They will do as much as possible to help the arrested person receive a better outcome for their case.
If you’ve been arrested and charged with shoplifting, contact a criminal defense law attorney in St. Charles, MO as quickly as possible to get help for your case. Browse our website now to learn more about how a lawyer can help you.
