You can end up in serious legal trouble if you are charged with shoplifting in Glendale. A shoplifting conviction can cost you in fines. You can even be sentenced to jail time after a conviction for shoplifting, throwing your entire life off-balance.
You can increase the odds that you will beat the charges you are facing by contacting a shoplifting lawyer in Glendale as soon as possible. The Simmrin Law Group can review your situation and begin working on your defense right now, so call us today.
The Legal Definition of Shoplifting in Glendale
The state of California uses Penal Code 495.5 to prosecute acts of shoplifting. According to PC 495.5, individuals commit shoplifting if they:
- Enter a Commercial Establishment During Normal Business Hours
- While Intending to Commit Larceny AND
- Planning to Take Less Than $950
In cases of shoplifting, larceny is defined as unlawfully taking away someone else’s property with the intent to permanently keep the property. Individuals can face shoplifting charges for attempting to take property from any business, as long as it is open.
You should be aware that actually taking property from an open business can result in petty theft charges in Glendale. Shoplifting only covers the act of entering a business with the intent to commit larceny.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Glendale, call (310) 896-2723
Shoplifting vs. Burglary in Glendale
The definition of shoplifting is, in many ways, similar to burglary. However, there are a few major differences between these charges.
You may face burglary charges instead of shoplifting charges for:
- Entering a Commercial Property Outside of Business Hours OR
- Committing Larceny to Take More than $950
The penalties for burglary in Glendale are generally more severe than the penalties for shoplifting. However, any burglary or shoplifting charge should be taken seriously. You can get help handling the specific criminal charges you are facing by reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer in Glendale immediately.
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Possible Penalties for a Glendale Shoplifting Conviction
The legal penalties for shoplifting can vary. Most acts of shoplifting are treated as misdemeanors by the court system in Glendale. A misdemeanor shoplifting conviction can lead to:
- Fines: Up to $1,000
- Jail Time: Up to 6 Months
These penalties match the repercussions for petty theft in Glendale. However, you could face up to 3 years of jail time if you are charged with burglary, instead of shoplifting.
Note that, in some situations, the penalties for shoplifting may be far more severe. The court may charge you with a felony and increase the penalties you face if you were previously convicted of some sex crimes or violent offenses. A felony shoplifting charge can lead to:
- Fines: Up to $10,000
- Jail Time: Up to 3 Years
You deserve to get professional help handling either a misdemeanor or a felony charge of shoplifting. You can get the support and legal advice you need by reaching out to a shoplifting lawyer in Glendale as soon as you are charged.
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Build a Defense with a Glendale Shoplifting Lawyer
You do not just have to accept a guilty verdict after a shoplifting accusation in Glendale. A professional legal team can help you by:
- Digging into the Facts Surrounding Your Case
- Monitoring the Police Investigation
- Working to Block Evidence
We can join you during any interviews with police officers and prosecutors. You should never speak with anyone about the charges you are facing without a criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say to officers of the law can be used against you, so make sure you have legal protection before you discuss your charges.
You can rely on the team at the Simmrin Law Group to tirelessly work to build your defense. We may be able to show that:
- You Are Facing False Accusations
- You Had No Intent to Shoplift
- You Experience an Act of Police Misconduct
We will dig into the specific facts surrounding your case when constructing your defense. We know that you deserve personalized legal support when dealing with shoplifting charges. Let us work to get your charges dismissed or to win your case in court.
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You Can Call a Glendale Shoplifting Lawyer Now
Your future is in your hands after you are charged with shoplifting in Glendale. You can immediately increase the odds that you will beat the charges you are facing by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Reach out to our shoplifting lawyers in Glendale to get a FREE consultation about your legal options today.
Take the first step to building your defense by completing our online contact form, or by calling (310) 896-2723.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form