Many people consider shoplifting a minor infraction—a blip in good judgment. However, in Georgia, shoplifting is a theft crime. There can be major consequences, such as fines, restitution, jail, or even prison with four or more convictions.
If you are a college student, you are violating the Code of Conduct at your school, which can lead to expulsion, loss of student aid or scholarships, and a possible felony on your record. As an adult, you will have a hard time borrowing money or securing housing, and you could lose your right to own a firearm or vote. If you are arrested for this theft crime, contact a DeKalb County shoplifting lawyer to preserve your rights today.
Shoplifting laws in Georgia go beyond hiding an item in your backpack and leaving a store without paying for it. This theft crime encompasses many scenarios, including:
If the merchandise subject to retail theft is valued at more than $500 at retail, your lawyer will be defending a felony, which can also occur if the accrued value is more than $500 in a six-month period. Contact a DeKalb County shoplifting attorney to discuss your case.
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-8-14, shoplifting, whether misdemeanor or felony, is punishable according to the judge’s discretion. In a second shoplifting conviction or nolo contendere plea—a no contest plea without admitting guilt—the judge levies a fine that replaces or is in addition to jail time. It does not matter whether the first conviction is a felony or misdemeanor. The fine will not be less than $500 and will not be suspended. Our DeKalb County shoplifting attorneys have a wide range of options to negotiate with the prosecutor. We also prepare your case with an eye toward successful litigation because we do not shy away from defending you in any manner available.
A third shoplifting conviction, whether a misdemeanor or felony, can prompt the judge to impose a fine or order you to at least 30 days in jail. If you are a minor, the judge can sentence you to boot camp or monitored house arrest for 120 days. You may also be subject to attend and pay for psychological counseling.
A fourth or subsequent charge for DeKalb County retail theft will require a lawyer well-versed in defending criminal charges because you are facing a minimum of a year in jail and up to 10 years in prison. Our attorneys can negotiate with the prosecutor for a more advantageous sentence, and we are not intimidated by facing the opposition in court. You deserve a tenacious defense to get your life back on track.
We are all human, and an indiscretion involving a DeKalb County retail theft crime for which you are arrested demands a lawyer’s advocacy to exonerate you. We understand how this could have happened and will work tirelessly to give you back your life. Your future should not be ruined because of one misstep.
It does not matter whether your actions can be linked to being young and impulsive or you are an adult with other issues you are invited to discuss with us; we are committed to advocating for our clients, no matter what life deals them. This entry-level crime should not define you. A DeKalb County shoplifting lawyer could help you sort out what comes next. Call to schedule a consultation today.
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