The court system in Pomona can hand down harsh penalties if you are convicted of shoplifting. A conviction for shoplifting could lead to fines and jail time. You can immediately improve your chances of handling these charges successfully by contacting a legal professional after you are arrested.
A shoplifting lawyer in Pomona can begin working on your defense today. The team at the Simmrin Law Group understands what it takes to help clients in your position. We can work to block evidence against you while constructing your defense. We can also take steps to get your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Review Pomona’s Definition of Shoplifting
Shoplifting is prosecuted in Pomona using California Penal Code Section 495.5. PC 495.5 defines shoplifting as the act of:
- Entering a business while
- It is operating in normal business hours
- Intending to commit larceny for less than $950
You can be charged with shoplifting if you enter any business while intending to commit larceny. It is important that you get legal help quickly if you are accused of shoplifting. A criminal defense lawyer in Pomona can begin working on your defense today.
Defining Larceny in Pomona
Larceny is also referred to as theft in Pomona. Attempting to permanently take someone else’s property or money can be considered larceny. This includes the property of store owners in the Pomona area.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Pomona, call (310) 896-2723
Compare Shoplifting and Burglary in Pomona
Shoplifting is only one charge used to prosecute acts of theft involving businesses in Pomona. Sometimes, the prosecution can push to have you charged with burglary instead of shoplifting. You could be accused of burglary if you:
- Entered a business when it was closed
- Planned to steal more than $950
- Planned to commit a felony
While burglary and shoplifting can both involve entering a business to carry out a criminal act, burglary is generally prosecuted more harshly. A theft crimes lawyer in Pomona can help you handle either burglary or shoplifting charges right away.
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Pomona Shoplifting Convictions Result in Serious Penalties
The court system in Pomona can prosecute shoplifting as a misdemeanor or a felony. Most shoplifting cases are treated as misdemeanors. However, you could be charged with a felony if you:
- Were previously convicted of a violent felony
- Were previously convicted of a sex crime that required registration as a sex offender
The penalties for a shoplifting conviction will vary if you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor convictions can result in:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Incarceration of up to six months
If you are charged with a felony, you could face:
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Incarceration of up to three years
Note that the penalties for a felony shoplifting conviction are very similar to the results of a burglary conviction in Pomona. In both of these cases, it is important that you get professional help on your side quickly after you are arrested.
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Get Help with All Aspects of Your Shoplifting Charges
Getting professional help can ensure that you handle shoplifting accusations in Pomona the right way. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can begin working on your case right away. You can count on us to:
- Protect you during interviews with law enforcement officers and prosecutors
- Assist you with a bail hearing if applicable
- Thoroughly review any plea bargains you are offered
- Take steps to block the evidence against you
- Monitor the police investigation into your case
- Focus on getting your charges reduced or dismissed
We understand what it takes to successfully resolve shoplifting charges in Pomona. In many cases, we can handle the charges against you before your case ever goes to court, allowing you to move forward with your life.
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Possible Defense to Shoplifting Accusations in Pomona
You should be aware that some shoplifting charges will go before a judge and jury in Pomona. In this situation, the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can work to show that:
- You did not intend to take anything from the store
- You accidentally took something out of a store
- You paid for the items you took from the business
- You were falsely accused of shoplifting
We’re ready to construct a strong defense for you as we dig into the facts of your case. Contact us today to get started.
A Pomona Shoplifting Lawyer Can Fight for You
Get immediate help with shoplifting charges in Pomona by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Reach out to us for professional legal advice by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out our online contact form. You can speak with a shoplifting lawyer in Pomona today.
We can even provide you with a FREE initial case evaluation so you can go over your legal options.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form