Baltimore Shoplifting Defense Lawyer
There is a difference in degree between shoplifting and other types of theft, and this comes into play in a shoplifting defense. Unlike an individual whose house has been broken into, or a car where their personal or private space has been violated, shoplifting is still seen and prosecuted harshly but it is not considered in the same light and it is not the same kind of violation of personal space or another’s property as is theft. A Baltimore shoplifting defense lawyer will take this and other considerations into account when representing you.
Consequences
If the value of the item(s) in question is over $1000, then the shoplifting will be charged as a felony. A value of less than $1000 is categorized as a misdemeanor. Depending on the charge, potential consequences include:
- Fines
- Incarceration of at least 90 days
- Probation of at least three years
Second Time Offenses
The actual charge of penalties does not really change. The consequences, however, do. There are two special considerations to take into account when facing a second (or third) offense. First, since someone is still on probation for a prior offense, a second offense would violate that probation and could lead to jail time. This is because one of the primary conditions of probation is that the defendant not repeat the offense. Secondly, a judge may be inclined to sentence the defendant more harshly than the first time around. This would be because, from the judge’s perspective, the first, more lenient approach, was ineffective.
Alternatives to Sentencing
Judges will often consider probation over incarceration for a first offense or even a second offense. What they will often do is give them an ability to try to keep their record clean and try to pay back the community. Some examples of this include:
- Community Service
- Home detention
- Probation
Keep in mind, there are a number of things an individual can do to improve their chances of a favorable outcome. One such action could be getting gainful employment as a way to exhibit responsible behavior . All the things someone does in advance of any type of hearing date can be presented to the judge as evidence that the person is a good candidate for probation and not incarceration.
How An Attorney Can Help
If charged, an individual could face potential incarceration and hefty fines. Having an attorney by your side to serve as your spokesperson and guide can make all the difference. A local attorney will have established relationships in the community. This will help you more easily navigate the various interactions throughout the case, with the courthouses, judges, and prosecutors.
In addition, attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf, which can dramatically increase your chances of achieving the best possible outcome.