Mecklenburg Shoplifting Lawyer

A shoplifting conviction could have severe consequences for your daily life and future. Regardless of whether you face a misdemeanor or felony charge, a conviction would mean a permanent criminal record, which could impact your ability to secure employment, rent an apartment, or obtain security clearance for a government job.

If you were charged with retail theft, a Mecklenburg shoplifting lawyer could aggressively pursue all avenues to construct a powerful defense. An experienced theft attorney with significant knowledge of Commonwealth law could advise you regarding the best way to proceed based on your particular case.

Mecklenburg Shoplifting Laws

Code of Virginia § 18.2-103 defines shoplifting as willfully taking possession of, or stealing, goods from a store for your own benefit without paying their full price. The definition of this offense is broad and includes examples such as a person swapping the price tags of different goods to give the impression that the item is cheaper than it actually is.

Virginia law states that the individual could be charged with shoplifting even if they never left the store with it, and the act of simply concealing an item with the intention to take it for themselves constitutes shoplifting.

Penalties for Shoplifting in Mecklenburg

Under Virginia law, if the value of the merchandise or goods involved in the offense is less than $1,000, the act is considered petit larceny and would be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The penalties for a Class 1 misdemeanor include up to a year’s imprisonment and/or fines up to $2,500.

Grand larceny refers to the theft of merchandise or goods valued over $1,000. This is considered an unclassified felony, with punishments ranging from one to 20 years in prison under Va. Code. Ann. § 18.2-95. It would also be at the judge or jury’s discretion to sentence the individual to less than one year’s imprisonment and/or fines up to $2,500.

Virginia law permits a merchant to sue for twice the unpaid retail value of the merchandise that the individual took, with a minimum judgment amount of $50. If the merchandise could still be sold, the maximum judgment that could be awarded is $350. The individual could also be required to pay up to $150 to cover the merchant’s legal costs if they win the lawsuit. A Mecklenburg attorney could help the defendant mitigate the penalties associated with shoplifting.

Possible Defenses

Some possible defenses could include lack of intent and mistaken identity. We could also potentially negotiate a first offender disposition, which would cause the case to be dismissed and result in a clean record upon the individual’s completion of specific probationary terms. We could potentially persuade the prosecutor to drop the shoplifting charges or reduce the penalties if the individual performs community service, makes restitution to the merchant, and does not commit any additional offenses. Such outcomes depend on the facts of each case.

Consult with an Accomplished Mecklenburg Shoplifting Attorney

In Virginia court proceedings, it is advisable to work with a qualified legal advocate who could fight for your rights. If you face allegations of stealing from a store, call a Mecklenburg shoplifting lawyer right away. Contact Price Benowitz today to set up a case evaluation and explore all your potential options for a strong defense.