Shoplifting
If you are accused of shoplifting in Georgia, our Gwinnett County criminal defense attorneys provide the trusted, professional legal representation you need.
Shoplifting is often considered a type of petty crime, something engaged in by teenagers or young people on a dare. Make no mistake: Shoplifting charges in Georgia end up being filed against people of all ages and economic backgrounds and can have serious ramifications in various areas of your life. In addition to the damage shoplifting charges cause to your reputation, they can also result in serious penalties. As a theft crime, you could be left with a permanent criminal record, while facing heavy fines and a potential jail sentence.
At Zimmerman & Associates, we provide the trusted, professional legal representation you need to defend yourself against these types of charges. As experienced Gwinnett County shoplifting defense attorneys, we work hard to help you avoid a conviction.
Defending You Against Shoplifting Charges in Georgia
Shoplifting is classified as a theft crime under Section 16-8-14 of the Georgia Code. It involves theft of retail merchandise, groceries, or other objects and can happen in any of the following ways:
- Taking items that you have not paid for;
- Concealing items with the intent to avoid making payment;
- Removing, altering, or switching tags on merchandise;
- Transferring merchandise to bags on other containers; and
- Intentionally paying less than the full amount owed.
Being caught shoplifting is a serious matter. The penalties you face will depend on the value of the items involved. If the products or merchandise is valued at under $500, you could end up facing misdemeanor criminal charges. If the value is determined to be $500 or more, you could be charged with a felony offense.
Protecting You Against Shoplifting Penalties in Gwinnett County
At Zimmerman & Associates, we can defend you against shoplifting charges filed through the Gwinnett County Courts. For a misdemeanor offense, you could be facing fines of up to $1,000 and up to a one-year jail sentence. For felony shoplifting, you could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Our experienced Gwinnett County shoplifting attorneys can launch an aggressive defense to protect you against these penalties. Efforts our office can make on your behalf include:
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding your case;
- Speaking with store owners, security officials, and police on your behalf;
- Negotiating with prosecuting attorneys to have your charges reduced or dismissed; and
- Gathering the evidence needed to avoid a conviction.
Contact Our Gwinnett County Shoplifting Attorneys Today
Shoplifting charges may be the result of an error in judgment or due to a mistake. In either case, as a theft crime, a conviction for shoplifting will leave you with a criminal record. This could work against you, ruining your reputation and preventing you from obtaining a job, housing, or even an education.
At Zimmerman & Associates, we provide the aggressive legal representation you need in this situation. To discuss your case and how we can help, call or contact our Gwinnett County shoplifting defense attorneys to request a free consultation today.