Between reduced working hours and financial struggles to cover rent and utility bills, there may be a significant amount of pressure to provide for your family over the holiday season. That pressure could make the idea of shoplifting a major temptation. However, if you should find yourself arrested for Phoenix shoplifting, read on for five tips from the criminal defense lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Law Group to minimize the damage.
What Is Shoplifting?
Shoplifting occurs when someone takes merchandise from a company with the intent to deprive them of the item(s) (without paying). Sometimes, shoplifting is referred to as “retail theft” or “concealment of merchandise.”
Surprisingly, you don’t have to leave the store with an item to be accused of Phoenix shoplifting. Unfortunately, many people are arrested for shoplifting simply for placing an item in their purse or concealing it in their shopping cart while inside the store. Shoplifting charges are prevalent around the holidays thanks to an increased number of patrons and loss prevention staff.
What Are Phoenix Shoplifting Charges?
There are different levels of charges and penalties for shoplifting in Phoenix. The least serious charge is called an infraction, often referred to as a minor offense or petty theft. You could also be charged with a misdemeanor, which is more serious than an infraction but less serious than a felony charge. Whether you’ve been charged with an infraction or a felony, you may benefit from having a Maricopa County criminal defense lawyer from Lerner and Rowe Law Group in your corner.
If charged with an infraction, you may pay fines. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, however, you could face jail time. A felony charge often carries larger fines and longer prison sentences. A Phoenix shoplifting lawyer can help you navigate these charges and possibly reduce your sentence.
5 Tips for Those Charged with Phoenix Shoplifting
- Know the difference between police officers and loss prevention officers. Police officers are not usually the ones who catch shoplifters. Loss prevention officers (LPOs) are private employees or contractors that normally patrol stores and malls to prevent shoplifting. Initially, most shoplifters deal with these LPOs.
- You have the right not to answer an LPO’s questions. Do not answer questions, apologize, or admit fault. Loss prevention officers may relay anything you say back to the police. In addition, never offer an LPO or police officer money.
- You have the right not to speak to police officers when they arrive. You do not have to immediately answer police questions. You can respectfully inform them that you wish to remain silent until your criminal defense attorney is present.
- Intent matters. Both the police and loss prevention officers will want to figure out if you entered the establishment with the intent to steal. If they determine intent, this can heighten the charges from an infraction to a misdemeanor or felony.
- Call a criminal defense lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Law Group. Our legal team will guide you through the process if you are charged with Phoenix shoplifting to reduce or dismiss the charges.
Contact Lerner and Rowe Law Group
Charged with Phoenix shoplifting this holiday season? The criminal defense attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Law Group offer free consultations and affordable payment plans. We’ll do everything in our power to get the charges dismissed or reduced, along with any penalties. Our legal team offers representation in all city, state, and federal courts in Arizona. Call us today at 602-667-7777, chat with us online, or submit a free case review.