Get a Criminal Attorney After Shoplifting Accusations

After being accused of shoplifting from a store, you should get a criminal attorney. This may not seem like a very serious crime, but if it stays on your record, you will see some unpleasant consequences. Consider why it is important to get the help of a professional.

If you actually were caught in the act of stealing, you probably have a reason for it that the person pressing charges refuses to hear. Getting a criminal attorney can ensure that he or she listens to your reasoning since you will be fighting back to defend your record. Lawyers with experience defending this crime will know a few angles that may suit your case. You may not be able to avoid the charges completely if there is proof that you committed the crime, but you may at least get reduced penalties through either a plea bargain or simply a sympathetic judge. Talk to your lawyer about how your case will be handled, as there are a few ways to defend your actions.

In many cases, though, an accusation of shoplifting is not even accurate. Perhaps an employee thought that you looked like you were going to steal just because of your appearance, or maybe due to an angle on a camera that did not tell the whole story. Perhaps you already bought an item from the store, and made the mistake of coming back with it, pulling it out to use it, and then putting it back in your purse or pocket. If you do not have a receipt, it can be hard to tell that you actually bought it during a previous trip. This may be why an employee rushed to accuse you of shoplifting. Of course, this does not make the action right, which is why you need a criminal attorney to defend you so that you do not face penalties for something you did not do.

No matter what the situation is, you should find a criminal attorney who has cleared the names of people who shoplifted at the store that has accused you. This is because the lawyer will know how the case will likely go, as it tends to depend on whether the shop will drop the charges or pursue them. If you cannot find a lawyer who has defended clients against accusations from the same store, at least choose one who has experience defending against the same type of store. Of course, make sure their past clients had mostly positive outcomes so you can expect success, too.

You should find out these facts when you meet with a criminal attorney at an initial consultation. Set one up immediately after you learn about the accusation, and then get ready to fight to clear your record.