Shoplifting Attorney in Panama City

Arrested for Shoplifting in Panama City? Call Now for Powerful Legal Defense

At Shepard Law, we understand how stressful facing shoplifting charges can be. Our team is here to offer knowledgeable and compassionate representation to protect your future. With our dedicated approach, we aim to minimize any impact on your life.

Shoplifting charges can carry severe consequences, including fines, community service, probation, or even jail time. Beyond the immediate legal implications, shoplifting charges can have lasting impacts on your personal and professional endeavors.

As an established criminal defense firm in Panama City, Shepard Law provides personalized service to those accused of shoplifting. We approach each case strategically, leveraging Rusty Shepard’s background as a former prosecutor to anticipate and counter prosecution tactics effectively.

As former prosecutors, we know how to challenge weak evidence and protect your freedom. Speak with a Shoplifting Attorney in Panama City today by calling (850) 290-2505 or reaching out online. Free consultations and quick response times.

Understanding Florida's Shoplifting Laws

In Florida, shoplifting is legally referred to as "retail theft" and is specifically defined under Florida Statute § 812.015. This statute broadly criminalizes various acts committed in a retail establishment with the intent to deprive the merchant of their merchandise without paying the full purchase price.

Key Acts Constituting Retail Theft:

A person commits retail theft if, while in a retail establishment and with the intent to deprive the merchant of its merchandise, the person:

• Takes possession of, or carries away, or conceals merchandise, property, or money from the retail establishment. This includes physically taking items from the store without paying.
• Alters, transfers, or removes any label, price tag, or other price marking.
• Transfers merchandise from one container to another.
• Removes a shopping cart from the premises.
• Possesses an antishoplifting countermeasure device (e.g., a "booster bag," a device to remove security tags) while on the premises of a retail establishment with the intent to use it to commit a retail theft.

The Crucial Element: Intent to Deprive

Regardless of the specific act, the prosecution must prove that you acted with the specific intent to deprive the merchant of their merchandise without paying the full purchase price. If this intent is not proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the retail theft charge cannot stand. This element is often a primary battleground in shoplifting cases.

Classification of Shoplifting Charges and Penalties

The severity of a retail theft charge in Florida is primarily determined by the value of the merchandise stolen and, significantly, by your prior criminal history and certain aggravating factors. Shoplifting is prosecuted as a form of "petit theft" or "grand theft," which are classified as misdemeanors or felonies. A knowledgeable shoplifting attorney in Panama City will immediately assess the classification and potential penalties you face.

Petit Theft (Misdemeanor):

This applies if the value of the goods or merchandise is less than $750.

• Second-Degree Petit Theft: If the value of the stolen merchandise is less than $100.
  • Classification: Second-Degree Misdemeanor.
  • Penalties: Up to 60 days in county jail, six months of probation, and/or a fine of up to $500.
• First-Degree Petit Theft: If the value of the stolen merchandise is at least $100 but less than $750.
  • Classification: First-Degree Misdemeanor.
  • Penalties: Up to one (1) year in county jail, one year of probation, and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
  • Repeat Petit Theft Offender: If you have two or more prior convictions for any theft offense, a current First-Degree Petit Theft charge is automatically elevated to a Third-Degree Felony regardless of the value of the merchandise. This is a critical enhancement for which you need a Panama City shoplifting lawyer.

Grand Theft (Felony):

If the value of the goods or merchandise is $750 or more, the offense is automatically classified as Grand Theft, a felony offense.

• Third-Degree Grand Theft:
  • Value of Property: At least $750 but less than $20,000.
  • Specific Items: Theft of a firearm, a motor vehicle, a will, or certain other specified items.
  • Penalties: Up to five (5) years in state prison, up to 5 years of probation, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
• Second-Degree Grand Theft:
  • Value of Property: At least $20,000 but less than $100,000.
  • Penalties: Up to fifteen (15) years in state prison, up to 15 years of probation, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• First-Degree Grand Theft:
  • Value of Property: $100,000 or more.
  • Penalties: Up to thirty (30) years in state prison, up to 30 years of probation, and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Collateral Consequences:

A shoplifting conviction in Florida, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, can lead to a range of devastating and often permanent collateral consequences that extend far beyond the direct legal penalties.

• Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, severely limiting future employment, housing, and educational prospects.
• Expungement / Sealing: While some records may be sealed, many theft offenses, and most felony convictions with an adjudication, are not eligible.
• Professional Licenses: A conviction will almost certainly lead to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses, effectively ending a career.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-U.S. citizens, theft convictions can trigger severe immigration penalties, including deportation.
• Loss of Rights: A felony conviction results in the loss of voting rights and the permanent loss of the right to possess firearms.
• Reputational Damage: An accusation and conviction for shoplifting can cause profound and irreparable harm to your personal and professional reputation.
• Employment Challenges: A criminal record for theft makes it extremely difficult to secure new employment, especially in retail, finance, or positions of trust.
• Housing Difficulties: Landlords often conduct background checks, making a theft conviction a significant barrier to securing rental housing.
• Educational Limitations: A criminal record can impact admission to colleges or universities and eligibility for financial aid.
• Enhanced Penalties for Future Offenses: A prior theft conviction can automatically escalate a new petit theft charge to a felony.

The Legal Process for Shoplifting in Panama City

Facing shoplifting charges involves several steps, starting from the arrest to potentially appearing in one of Panama City’s local courts. Here’s what to expect:

• Initial Consultation: Start with a free consultation where we’ll assess your case specifics and discuss your legal options.
• Case Preparation: We compile evidence, witness statements, and relevant details, utilizing local ordinances and our understanding of state statutes to build a robust defense.
• Representation in Court: Rusty Shepard appears alongside you in court, using his prosecution insights to challenge and counter accusations effectively.

Each step in the legal process of shoplifting charges needs careful navigation, with every action potentially influencing the outcome significantly. From understanding how evidence is assessed to knowing the usual stances judges may take, our firm ensures that we are ready to defend effectively at every turn. We employ strategies aimed at reducing charges or securing dismissals, prepared diligently to argue every aspect of your case in your favor.

Why Choose Shepard Law

There are several reasons clients consistently choose Shepard Law for their defense needs:

• Unique Prosecutorial Insight: Rusty Shepard’s prosecutorial background provides strategic advantages in defending against shoplifting charges.
• 24/7 Accessibility: Our around-the-clock availability means clients can reach us whenever they need advice or assistance.
• Client-Focused Approach: We offer personalized attention and free consultations to ensure clients feel supported from start to finish.

Choosing the right legal representation means considering various factors, including accessibility, strategy, and an unyielding commitment to client interests. At Shepard Law, every client is assured of a partner in their defense. We go beyond traditional legal counsel, offering emotional support and understanding throughout the entire legal process. This supportive approach ensures that clients are always aware of proceedings and the reasoning behind critical decisions.

Our commitment to building a defense around each client’s specific needs marks us as a distinctive choice in Panama City. This personalized service, combined with Rusty Shepard's prosecutorial insight, places our clients at an advantage compared to other representation options. Our tailored strategies ensure that you not only have a defense but a defense rooted in thorough understanding and detailed preparation.

Contact Us for Dedicated Defense

Our team is ready to provide you with the comprehensive and compassionate defense you need. Take advantage of our free consultations to discuss your case in detail and receive the guidance necessary to protect your future. With our support, navigating the legal system becomes easier, ensuring you understand each step along the way while we work tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome.

If you’re facing shoplifting charges in Panama City, don’t face it alone. Contact Shepard Law today at (850) 290-2505.