Prince George’s County Shoplifting Lawyer

Shoplifting is not a charge, as much as it is a type of theft, commonly known as retail theft. If somebody breaks into somebody’s house, it is a burglary but it is also theft. If somebody breaks someone’s car, that is considered also a theft. Shoplifting is not considered different than larceny in Prince George’s  County because larceny is theft. Shoplifting does not differ from other theft-related offenses. Theft differs based on the situation. It deals with the retail setting as opposed to an employee theft, a person in a position of trust, or a theft from a family member. If you have been accused of a shoplifting offense, consult a knowledgeable theft attorney that could build your defense. A skilled Prince George’s County shoplifting lawyer could pursue a positive outcome for you.

Elements a Prosecutor Must Prove

When using footage and witnesses in shoplifting cases, the prosecutor must prove that the person convicted of shoplifting took property. Whether it is through eye-witness testimony or video surveillance, it makes no difference as long as they meet the elements. They also must prove that there was intent to take the item and deprive the owner of the item and that it was not accidental. People take things without realizing it and that is not theft. The prosecutor must also prove that element, whether through observations on videos, the testimony of eyewitnesses a confession, or admission through other media that may have captured it. A Prince George’s County shoplifting lawyer’s job is to attempt to dispute the prosecutor’s argument and interpretation of the evidence.

Shoplifting Defense Strategies

The strategies that Prince George’s County shoplifting lawyers could use when preparing a defense involve a two-pronged approach. The first part is to determine if the case should be challenged. What matters is whether the state can prove its case and if there are deficiencies and weaknesses in the case. If a defense attorney believes that they may not be able to prove their case, they go to trial to seek a not-guilty verdict.

Sometimes there are issues with the case or someone is caught red-handed before an attorney is called. The person may have inadvertently confessed to it. If they did, an attorney prepares for mitigation otherwise known as damage control. The strategy is to convey all the good things about the person. They share what may have compelled them to do it, like an addiction or compulsion, and discuss if they can get this person help or if they need medication. They may try to seek community service rather than prosecution. Regardless of the strengths and weaknesses of the case, there are strategies that can be employed.

Potential Penalties for Shoplifting

The penalties for a person convicted of shoplifting depend on the value of the items that were shoplifted. If somebody is caught shoplifting Casio watch valued at $50, it is considered a petty misdemeanor that carries 90 days maximum incarceration. If somebody steals a couple of iPhones in the Apple store, it is a felony and they can face years of incarceration.

The consequences of shoplifting for a second-time offender do not differ. The maximum penalty does not change, but the judge and the prosecutor may seek to impose a harsher penalty since it is a subsequent offense. A Prince George’s County shoplifting lawyer could attempt to mitigate the penalties that an attorney may face.

Consulting a Prince George’s County Shoplifting Attorney

Having an attorney by your side can help because a Prince George’s County shoplifting lawyer who has handled these cases before, may have a better understanding of what the prosecutor must prove. They could prove the elements of the offenses, the strengths of the case, and what mitigating steps can be taken to remedy or to lessen the severity of the incident to put somebody in a better perspective in front of the judge. If you have been charged with a shoplifting offense, consult a qualified shoplifting lawyer that could fight tirelessly in your defense.