Hanover Shoplifting Lawyer
You made a mistake and now find yourself on the receiving end of a charge for shoplifting. Theft can be a serious act with both civil and criminal penalties on the line. The course of action you take will have a direct and lasting impact on your life. You may have to defend yourself in both criminal and civil proceedings. With years of experience you can trust, a Hanover shoplifting lawyer could be your advocate and ally through the legal process and fight hard to get you the best outcome.
Shoplifting Under Virginia Criminal Law
Most people think of shoplifting as someone simply hiding something in their jacket as they try to leave a store. However, shoplifting has a broader legal definition. As defined by Virginia law, shoplifting occurs when:
- A person willfully conceals or possesses goods or merchandise in a store
- If someone alters the price tag or transferring the goods from one container to another
- Or a party counsels or aids another in the performance of any of the aforementioned acts
The severity of shoplifting and the according punishment depends on the dollar amount involved. If the goods or merchandise amount to $500 or less, then the crime is considered petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. For a Class 1 misdemeanor, the accused may face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
If the goods or merchandise allegedly stolen amount to more than $500, the crime is considered an unclassified felony. Unclassified felonies are punishable from 1 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
Like any criminal charge, a prosecutor may offer a plea deal rather than taking the case to trial. Having a lawyer present to help weigh the merits of the deal is a practical and smart choice as it is not always clear how favorable a deal might be, especially when someone’s freedom and future is on the line.
Hire a Hanover Shoplifting Lawyer Today
Hire a Hanover shoplifting lawyer today and begin protecting yourself from the consequences of these charges, both criminal and civil. Legal counsel could present the best defense possible at trial and advise you throughout the case to help determine if a plea deal or settlement is in your best interests. To get started on your case and to ensure that you do not say anything incriminating to investigators, call an attorney for a consultation right away.
