Shelby County Shoplifting Lawyer

While shoplifting is thought to be the most common type of property crime in Alabama, a conviction for shoplifting can prove to be life-altering. Apart from the punishment under the law, it is possible that you could lose your job or have trouble finding employment in the future following such a conviction. This makes it crucial to speak to a knowledgeable attorney. A Shelby County shoplifting lawyer could prove to be a valuable asset to your case.

In Alabama, shoplifting is punishable under the theft laws – that is what it is. It is theft when an individual gets or exerts unauthorized control over the property of another person with the intention of divesting the owner of their property. The criminal penalties for theft keep on becoming more stringent proportionate to the increase in the value of the stolen goods.

If police officers and merchants have reasonable grounds to suspect that someone is shoplifting, they can detain those persons. In an attempt to recover stolen property, the suspects can be detained for a reasonable period in a reasonable manner. Civil and criminal penalties related to shoplifting are as follows:

There are three primary segments of Alabama shoplifting laws depending on the value of products an individual is accused of stealing. These are:

• First-degree theft – Class B Felony: When it relates to the theft of property valued over $2,500. Convictions can result in fines up to $30,000 and prison terms from 2 to 20 years.
• Second-degree theft – Class C Felony: When it relates to the theft of property valued over $500 and up to $2,500. Convictions can result in fines up to $15,000 and prison terms from one to ten years.
• Third-degree theft – Class A Misdemeanor: When it relates to the theft of property valued under $500. Convictions can result in fines up to $6,000 and prison terms of up to one year.

Also, under Alabama law, shoplifters who are adults, as well as the parents of children under the age of 18 convicted of shoplifting, can be held civilly accountable for their crimes. This means that store owners can sue convicted shoplifters and seek compensation for the value of merchandise as well as court expenses and attorney fees.

Legal guardians or parents of minors convicted of shoplifting, as well as adult shoplifters, are civilly liable to the merchants they have victimized. The merchants can sue them in civil court to seek and recover the entire retail value of the merchandise if the items recovered are not in a condition to be sold, costs related to the recovery of the merchandise with a fixed amount of $200, and a maximum of $1,000 in lawyer fees and court expenses. For help with building a defense, contact a Shelby County shoplifting lawyer.

Under Alabama law, shoplifting is considered a serious crime with grave consequences. If you are accused of shoplifting, be sure to consult with a committed Shelby County shoplifting attorney. A seasoned Shelby County shoplifting lawyer can help you explore all available avenues like opting for diversion programs, building a robust defense, or negotiating a plea bargain to curtail the impact of a shoplifting charge.