Portsmouth Shoplifting Lawyer

Shoplifting is something many people erroneously believe is not a big deal. In fact, the penalties and consequences that result from a shoplifting conviction are a very big deal and can follow you for the rest of your life if they are not handled properly. A Portsmouth Shoplifting Lawyer can work to prevent that from happening and can help you avoid a simple mistake from become even worse over time.

Shoplifting, in basic terms, is stealing something for sale from some kind of store. It is one of the many varieties of theft. If the stolen property is worth more than $200, the type of theft is called grand larceny, which is a felony and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. If the value of what was stolen is $200 or less, then the shoplifting is called petty theft, which is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail. It doesn't matter if you are stole a flat-screen television or a pack of bubble gum - all theft is theft and should be taken seriously. A Portsmouth Shoplifting Attorney can advocate on your behalf in court and can work to obtain an outcome that does not ruin your future.

Some common defenses to shoplifting include mistaken identity, lack of intent (for example, if your child put something in your purse while you were not looking), and proving that what was stolen was worth less than $200, thus avoiding a felony conviction for grand larceny. For many people who shoplift, it is their first offense, and a lawyer from our team of Portsmouth Shoplifting Lawyers can ask that your case be dismissed and the charges dropped pending successful completion of any probationary terms. As you can see, you have options and our Portsmouth Shoplifting Lawyers are familiar with all of them and can work to choose the optimal one for you.

A Shoplifting Lawyer in Portsmouth can make a huge difference in your case. If you are convicted of shoplifting, that conviction will remain on your permanent criminal record forever, thus making it hard to get a job, find a place to live, or get a loan for school or a home. A theft charge indicates that a person cannot be trusted and that may prove to be very difficult to overcome. A shoplifting lawyer in Portsmouth can work hard to prevent a charge from turning into a conviction and thus, helping you keep your reputation intact.