Despite being viewed as a juvenile offense by society, shoplifting is a serious crime that costs businesses millions of dollars a day. Broadly speaking, shoplifting occurs when a person takes merchandise out of a store without paying for it. Courtrooms, judges and store owners do not believe shoplifting is a victimless crime because the costs are substantial for companies and customers that pay for such crimes.
Facts About Shoplifting
The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention estimates that about one in eleven people will shoplift at some point in their lives. The group determined that about one in four shoplifters are underage when they commit the crime, and they are very rarely caught. Experts estimate only one in 48 shoplifters are ever caught. Only about half of those individuals caught for shoplifting will ever face criminal charges.
Some individuals are charged with shoplifting when they’ve altered price tags, removed an object from its packaging inside the store or attempted to remove theft-prevention devices on merchandise. The value of the merchandise will largely determine how serious the fines and potential jail sentences are.
How Defense Attorneys Can Help Fight a Shoplifting Charge
The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention recognizes that most shoplifters do not commit other crimes. When you’ve been criminally charged with shoplifting, a criminal defense attorney can help argue for reduced fines and penalties due to your otherwise clean record. Attorney Michele Finizio is experienced in protecting the rights of clients charged with criminal shoplifting, and she will aggressively fight to minimize your penalties. If possible, then her firm will pursue a diversionary program that can help you have the criminal charges against you dropped. Contact her office at 609-230-0374 now for more information.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.