Take control of your future if you are accused of shoplifting in Lancaster by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group right away. Our team of legal professionals can begin working on your defense immediately. They can:
- Stand with you during legal interviews
- Review all plea bargains you’re offered
- Work to block evidence against you
- Focus on getting your charges reduced or dismissed
- Build you a courtroom-ready defense
You can reach our shoplifting lawyers in Lancaster right now to get the assistance that you need. Improve your odds of successfully handling a shoplifting accusation by getting legal help today.
The Legal Definition of Shoplifting in Lancaster
The court system in California uses Penal Code Section 495.5 to define shoplifting. According to PC 495.5, you could be charged with shoplifting if you:
- Enter a place of business
- During operating hours
- With the intent of committing larceny
Note that you do not have to successfully commit larceny to be convicted of shoplifting. Merely attempting to take wares from the store without paying for them can lead to shoplifting charges in Lancaster.
You should also be aware that shoplifting charges generally only apply if an individual attempted to take items worth under $950. Individuals who attempt to take more valuable products may face different criminal charges.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Lancaster, call (310) 896-2723
Shoplifting vs. Burglary Accusations in Lancaster
As we mentioned, you could face different charges if you are accused of attempting to steal items worth more than $950 from a business in Lancaster. This act may be prosecuted as burglary. You could also face burglary charges if you are accused of entering a business outside of business hours to commit petty theft or a felony.
Commercial burglary charges in Lancaster should be taken seriously. You could be convicted and sentenced to years of time behind bars and high fines if you do not get professional help from a criminal defense lawyer in Lancaster.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Review the Results of a Lancaster Shoplifting Conviction
Many people consider shoplifting to be a relatively minor criminal offense. This is frequently not the case. In fact, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony if you are accused of shoplifting. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you could face:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to six months of incarceration
Felony convictions for shoplifting may result in:
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Up to three years of incarceration
Note that most shoplifting cases are considered misdemeanors. However, you can face felony charges if you have previous convictions for:
- Certain sex crimes
- Violent felonies
A theft crimes lawyer in Lancaster can help you build a defense to either misdemeanor or felony charges. Getting help on your side quickly can improve your odds of beating a shoplifting charge so you can move forward with your life.
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Build Your Defense to Lancaster Shoplifting Accusations
A criminal defense lawyer can help you handle any legal hurdles you face after you are accused of shoplifting in Lancaster. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can conduct an independent investigation into your case. Based on our findings, we can work aggressively to show that:
You Did Not Intend to Steal Anything
You should only be convicted of shoplifting if you intended to take items from a business without paying for them. If you were carrying items, or placed them in your cart, while intending to pay for them, you could avoid a conviction for shoplifting in Lancaster.
You Took Items from a Store by Accident
Accidents happen. Sometimes, especially in a busy check-out line, you might forget to pay for all of the items you wished to buy. If you accidentally carried a product out of the store without paying for it, you could be able to beat a shoplifting accusation.
You Only Took Items That You Paid For
Business owners sometimes make mistakes and falsely accuse customers of shoplifting. A theft crimes lawyer can help if you were accused of shoplifting an item that you actually paid for. This can help you resolve the charges you’re facing successfully.
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Protect Your Future with a Lancaster Shoplifting Lawyer
You can start getting professional assistance handling shoplifting charges in Lancaster right now. The team at the Simmrin Law Group is ready to take care of all aspects of your legal case. We are ready to take steps to get your charges reduced or even dismissed while we work to build you a strong defense. Find out more about how we can help with a FREE case evaluation.
You can reach our shoplifting lawyers in Lancaster by completing our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form