Shoplifting

San Diego | Orange County | Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes that occur in the country. While shoplifting may not be as serious as other, more violent crimes like armed robbery or assault, you may still be at risk for serious legal penalties if you are convicted. These legal repercussions may include costly fines and jail time depending on the details and severity of your case. If you are facing a conviction in San Diego, California, for shoplifting, it is crucial you know what steps to build a strong defense case. One essential step you should take after being charged with shoplifting is to contact a San Diego shoplifting defense lawyer as soon as possible. 

Dod Law has over two decades of experience helping clients who have been accused of shoplifting in San Diego, California. After being accused of a crime like shoplifting, individuals are often left feeling like the entire criminal justice system is against them. However, our legal team has the experience and knowledge to help you build a strong criminal defense case to help protect you and your rights. 

How Is Shoplifting Defined By California Law?

When an individual knowingly takes an item from a store with the deliberate intent to not pay for the item, they may be charged with the crime of shoplifting under California law. You may be surprised to learn that in addition to physically taking an item from a store, the concealment of an item while still in the store can also be considered shoplifting. This is true regardless of whether the shoplifter has technically stolen anything from the store yet. This is because the action of concealment of an item that a person does not plan to pay for is considered a preemptive intention to shoplift in California. 

In San Diego, a shoplifting case can be brought against a person who purchased items that were previously stolen from a store. In this case, even if you did not steal the items yourself, you may still be charged with shoplifting if you have purchased stolen goods and knew or had reason to believe that the items had been stolen. In San Diego, the laws concerning shoplifting can become difficult to fully understand. That is why it is vital that you work with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer if accused of this offense. 

What Are Common Penalties for Shoplifting in San Diego?

While shoplifting is not typically a violent crime, individuals who are charged with this offense may still be charged with serious legal repercussions, even if it is their first offense. Aside from damaging your reputation with your friends and family and making it more difficult to get a job or rent an apartment, if you are convicted of shoplifting, you may be facing some serious penalties as a result. The penalties you may be faced with if charged with shoplifting in San Diego may include:

• Misdemeanor Charge: If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in California, you may be facing up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
• Felony Charge: If you have been charged with a felony for shoplifting in San Diego, you could be facing up to three years in jail and a fine up to $10,000.

The severity of the legal repercussions you are sentenced to will depend on the specific details of your case and your prior criminal record. After you have been charged, it is crucial that you understand what your next steps should be in order to protect your rights and interests. If you believe that you may be facing severe legal consequences for shoplifting, a San Diego shoplifting defense lawyer may be able to help get the charges against you dropped or reduced. 

Get Help From a San Diego Shoplifting Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been accused of shoplifting, you may be facing serious legal repercussions like jail time or fines. While being accused of a crime may feel as if there is no hope for your case, that is not true. Whether this is your first offense or you may be at risk of being charged with a felony, you deserve a fair trial after being accused of shoplifting.  Get help with your defense by contacting a San Diego, California shoplifting defense lawyer today. 

The trusted shoplifting defense lawyers of Dod Law, has over two decades of experience helping criminal defense clients defend their rights and interests. To schedule a free consultation and begin discussing your options in regards to your shoplifting defense case, contact us at our San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Orange County office 949-681-7020  | Vista office 760-814-6025 | or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form.