If you have been arrested for Retail Theft (shoplifting), your initial reaction might be to panic. For many reasons, you are correct to view your Retail Theft charge as a matter of serious concern. A conviction for what courts call a “crime of dishonesty” can damage your credibility as a witness in any future court proceeding. Furthermore, a theft charge can result in jail time depending on the amount of money allegedly stolen, your criminal history and the level of participation from the alleged victim.
Panicking, however, will not improve the trajectory of your case. Only an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a positive difference. A criminal defense attorney specializing in Retail Theft charges can not only review the facts and evidence of your case for legal and procedural errors committed by law enforcement, but can also present you in the best light to the judge and prosecutor. Below are some specific actions a great criminal defense lawyer can take on your retail theft case:
- Order all reports, video and audio from the prosecution and police agency.
- Contact the filing assistant state attorney and request elimination or reduction of your charges.
- Waive your presence at pre-trial hearings to reduce the stigma.
- Gather and present mitigating documents
- Explore the possibility of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement, which could ultimately result in dismissal of your case.
In addition to the above-listed legal actions, a great criminal defense lawyer will keep you updated on the status of your case and explain the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. Staying informed and feeling confident that you chose an experienced retail theft lawyer is critical to achieving peace of mind.
A retail theft case can prove costly to your personal and professional life. Don’t take any chances. A great criminal defense lawyer is a great investment in your liberty, livelihood and reputation.
Call Casanova Law today at 561-236-5340 to schedule a free consultation for your Retail Theft case.
