Tampa Shoplifting Lawyer

If you’ve been accused of shoplifting, it’s important to take your charges seriously and defend yourself against them. Let a Tampa lawyer guide you when you’ve been accused of stealing so you can do what’s possible to get your charges dropped.

Dealing with accusations of shoplifting can be tough. You’re being accused of a serious crime, and at the very least, that crime can affect where you can shop. At worst, it can leave you with a criminal record that will make your future more difficult.

That’s why you may need to contact an attorney from Hersem Law. We understand that shoplifting can affect your future, so we’ll help you find the right defense for your theft case. Reach out for help from a Tampa shoplifting lawyer when you’re struggling to recover.

Penalties for Shoplifting in Tampa

In Florida, shoplifting, also known as retail theft, does not have one set penalty. Instead, your charges will depend on how much you’re accused of stealing. Your penalties for a conviction will then depend on whether you’re facing petit theft or grand theft charges.

Typically, if you’re convicted of stealing less than $300 worth of merchandise, you’ll be charged with petit theft, or petty theft. The penalties can vary, but you could be facing up to a year in jail, as well as a $1,000 maximum fine.

If you’re accused of stealing between $301 and $5,000 of goods, the charges are more severe. You’ll be accused of grand theft, which is a third-degree felony. Your maximum jail sentence rises to five years, and your fines could be as high as $5,000. However, it’s important to defend yourself with a Tampa lawyer’s help even if the penalties don’t seem as harsh to you.

Defenses for Shoplifting Charges

If you’re accused of shoplifting, you do have a chance to defend yourself from criminal charges. Your shoplifting attorney can help you determine the best defense for your specific situation, but you should have a few options for your case.

For example, you may argue that a witness or the store made a mistake. You may claim that they falsely accused you of stealing. Eyewitnesses can make mistakes, for example, so what may have been accidentally leaving something in your shopping cart and failing to pay may not have been intentionally shoplifting.

However, the right defense for your case will depend on the details of what happened to you in Tampa. Make sure you discuss those details with your lawyer before you head to court.

Seek Out a Shoplifting Lawyer’s Help in Tampa

If you’re facing shoplifting charges, don’t fight back alone. Those charges could hurt your future, leaving you struggling with the penalties for years after your case.

Fortunately, your Tampa attorney from Hersem Law understands what your charges and a conviction could mean for you. We’ll focus on building the right defense for you so you can rest easy knowing that you have the right team on your side. If you’re struggling to get your shoplifting charges dropped, reach out for a claim consult. We’ll discuss your case and what we can do to help you overcome your charges.

When you’re ready to begin, speak to your Tampa shoplifting lawyer now. To begin, give us a call at 813-251-7291, or fill out the online form to discuss your case and your consultation.