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Jacksonville Shoplifting Charges: Potential Penalties and Legal Options
|Last Updated on: 3rd November 2023, 07:12 pm
Jacksonville Shoplifting Charges: Potential Penalties and Legal Options
Getting charged with shoplifting in Jacksonville can be scary. The penalties can potentially include jail time, fines, and a criminal record. But there are legal options and defenses that may help. This article will break down the common shoplifting charges in Jacksonville, the potential penalties, and legal options to fight the charges.
Common Shoplifting Charges
There are a few main shoplifting-related charges in Jacksonville[1]:
- Petit Theft – Knowingly taking someone’s property worth less than $300 with intent to deprive them of it permanently. This can be a 1st degree misdemeanor or 3rd degree felony depending on circumstances.
- Grand Theft – Knowingly taking someone’s property worth $300 or more with intent to deprive them of it permanently. This is a 3rd degree felony.
- Retail Theft – Taking merchandise from a store without paying. This can range from a misdemeanor to a 1st degree felony.
The charges and penalties depend on the value of items taken and other factors like prior convictions. Let’s look at the potential penalties.
Potential Penalties
Shoplifting penalties in Florida depend on the charge, and can include[1][4]:
- Up to 60 days in jail for a 2nd degree misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail for a 1st degree misdemeanor
- Up to 5 years in prison for a 3rd degree felony
- Up to 15 years for a 2nd degree felony
- Up to 30 years for a 1st degree felony
- Fines up to $500 for a misdemeanor
- Fines up to $10,000 for a felony
- Restitution to the victim
- Probation
- Permanent criminal record
These penalties can really impact someone’s life. But an experienced defense attorney can help fight the charges and seek alternatives to avoid harsh penalties.
Legal Defenses
There are several legal defenses that a skilled lawyer may use to fight shoplifting charges[2][5]:
- Lack of Criminal Intent – If you didn’t intend to steal, such as forgetting to pay for an item, you may not have the required criminal intent.
- False Accusation – The store employees could be mistaken or lying about seeing you steal.
- Unlawful Search – If police searched you illegally, evidence found may be excluded.
- Mental Illness – Mental health issues may negate criminal intent.
An attorney can evaluate the facts of your case and determine if any defenses apply. Don’t just plead guilty without exploring your options.
Alternative Resolutions
As an alternative to harsh criminal penalties, a defense lawyer may be able to negotiate[2][3]:
- Reduced Charges – Getting charges reduced to a lesser offense can lower penalties.
- Pretrial Diversion – Completing requirements like classes can lead to dropped charges.
- Probation – Supervised release in the community instead of jail time.
These alternatives depend on the facts of the case and prior record. But a skilled lawyer negotiates with prosecutors to reach the best outcome.
The Legal Process
If you are charged with shoplifting in Jacksonville, here is what you can expect:
- You will be arrested, or given a notice to appear in court for arraignment.
- At your arraignment, charges are formally presented and you enter a plea.
- Your defense lawyer will analyze the evidence, conduct investigations, and consider defenses.
- Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor regarding potential plea deals or pretrial programs.
- If no plea deal reached, your case will go to trial where a jury decides guilt or innocence.
- If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence based on penalties allowed by law.
- You may appeal your conviction or sentence if there are legal errors.
Having an experienced Florida criminal defense lawyer is crucial for navigating this complex process and fighting the charges against you.
Finding the Right Lawyer
If you or a loved one is facing shoplifting charges in Jacksonville, it’s important to find the right attorney. Look for a lawyer who[6]:
- Focuses specifically on theft crime defense
- Has experience negotiating shoplifting cases
- Understands both defense and prosecution perspectives
- Will thoroughly examine the evidence against you
- Will aggressively defend you in court if necessary
Don’t take chances with your future. Hire an experienced shoplifting defense lawyer to fight for the best possible outcome.
Take Action Today
Being arrested for shoplifting can make you feel scared and overwhelmed. But skilled legal help can make a huge difference. Contact a dedicated Jacksonville shoplifting defense attorney right away to start building your defense. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can avoid harsh penalties and move forward with your life.
References
[1] https://www.roelkelaw.com/shop-lifting-retail-theft.html[2] https://www.mesiclaw.com/criminal-defense/theft-crimes/shoplifting/
[3] https://www.muscalaw.com/locations/jacksonville/shoplifting-charges-jacksonville-understanding-criminal-trial-process-defenses-and-consequences
[4] https://www.roelkelaw.com/theft-crimes.html
[5] https://www.muscalaw.com/locations/jacksonville/theft-charge-defense-lawyers-jacksonville-florida-fl-jacksonville-theft-attorneys-petty-theft-shoplifting-grand-theft
[6] https://www.slgattorneysflorida.com/retail-theft-shoplifting.html