Tampa Shoplifting Defense Attorney

People Shoplift for Various Reasons, and Often Shoplifting is Their First Offense.

Shoplifting can be an impulsive act driven by a momentary lapse in judgment or self-control. People might not have a specific need for the stolen items but act on a sudden urge.

Some individuals shoplift out of desperation due to financial difficulties. They may steal essential items like food, clothing, or hygiene products because they cannot afford them.

Some people with substance abuse issues may shoplift to obtain items they can sell or trade for drugs or alcohol.

Psychological factors like kleptomania, a rare impulse control disorder, can lead to recurrent, irresistible urges to steal items, often without a personal need or financial motivation.

Adolescents often engage in shoplifting due to pressure or influence from friends or peers. For some, shoplifting provides a sense of excitement or a thrill. They may enjoy the risk associated with the act. Others may shoplift on behalf of others or as part of a criminal enterprise, such as organized retail theft.

Shoplifting May Seem Like a Lesser Crime But Can Have Serious Consequences.

Punishments for shoplifting can vary based on factors like the jurisdiction, the value of the stolen items, and whether it’s a first-time offense or a repeat offense. Common consequences for shoplifting may include:

• Criminal Charges: Shoplifters can face criminal charges, ranging from petty theft or misdemeanor charges to more serious felonies, depending on the circumstances and the value of the stolen items.
• Fines: Convicted shoplifters may be required to pay fines as part of their sentence. The amount can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the value of the stolen goods.
• Restitution: Offenders may be ordered to pay restitution to the store or the victim to compensate for the stolen items or any damage caused during the theft.
• Probation: Some individuals may receive probation as part of their sentence, which may include conditions like community service, counseling, or regular check-ins with a probation officer.
• Jail or Prison Time: In more serious cases, shoplifters may serve time in jail or prison, especially if they have a history of theft-related offenses or if the value of the stolen items is substantial.
• Civil Penalties: In addition to criminal charges, shoplifters may face civil lawsuits from the store owners to recover damages for theft-related losses.

It’s important to note that the consequences of shoplifting can be severe, and a criminal record can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life, including difficulties finding employment or housing.

There are many legal actions that must be taken to protect you, but you must engage a shoplifting defense attorney that is experienced in protecting and defending individuals charged with shoplifting. At Taracks & Associates, we have many years of fighting experience spent defending individuals against criminal charges such as shoplifting. Contact us today at 813-281-2897 for a free case evaluation!

Your Future is Too Important to Risk

Getting arrested is a harrowing experience. You are placed into custody and not immediately able to contact others. The police officers who arrested you may try to interrogate you to get evidence for the charges. No matter what they say or do, never answer any questions until you are being represented by a Tampa felony attorney. Our team at Taracks & Associates is ready to aggressively defend your rights and secure for you the best possible outcome.

Shoplifting FAQs:

Is shoplifting different from theft or robbery?

Shoplifting is a specific type of theft that occurs in retail settings, often involving the unlawful taking of merchandise without payment. Theft is a broader category encompassing various forms of property-related crimes. Robbery, on the other hand, is a violent crime involving the use of force, intimidation, or threats to take property from a person. Each of these crimes carries its own legal implications and potential penalties.

What is a typical punishment for shoplifting?

Punishments for shoplifting vary based on the defendant’s cooperation, willingness to make amends, and whether they have taken steps to address any underlying issues, such as impulse control problems or substance abuse. Some possible consequences include criminal charges, fines, restitution, probation, and jail time.

Will a shoplifting charge become part of my permanent record?

A shoplifting charge can become part of your permanent record, but whether it does and how it impacts your record depends on several factors, including the jurisdiction, the specific charges, the outcome of the case, and whether you take any legal actions to mitigate the consequences.

What can I do to understand why I shoplifted?

Understanding why you shoplifted can be a valuable step toward addressing the underlying issues and preventing future incidents. Shoplifting often involves complex psychological, emotional, or situational factors. To gain insight into your behavior, you can consider speaking with a mental health professional, keeping a journal to write down your emotions, stressors, and any situations that precede shoplifting incidents, joining a support group for individuals with compulsive behaviors, addiction, or shoplifting tendencies, and learning healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, exercise, and meditation can be effective in reducing the urge to shoplift.

Seek Legal Help if You Have Been Charged With Shoplifting

Facing criminal charges can be an unexpected and daunting experience, especially when going up against a seasoned opponent who has handled numerous criminal cases. This underscores the importance of having a skilled attorney by your side, someone capable of thorough case preparation and constructing a robust defense by pinpointing weaknesses in the opposing evidence.

By choosing Taracks & Associates for your defense, you secure dedicated and unwavering legal representation throughout your case.

Our team brings the following advantages to your defense:

• The insights of a former prosecutor who understands how the State builds and presents cases, offering a unique edge in your defense
• An attorney licensed to practice in both state and federal courts, ensuring comprehensive assistance no matter the nature of the charges you are confronting
• Legal counsel with a track record of leading countless jury trials, equipping us with the expertise and advocacy skills needed to present a compelling defense in the courtroom.

 

Client Testimonial

“I was accused of something I did not do. I have a really good job, and my professional license was in jeopardy if convicted of this crime. I explained to Barry I could not get convicted at all – due to this and I am also a mother of 3 young children so I could not afford to lose my job, and he understood and stated he would do everything to assist.”