To establish a strong case in your defense against shoplifting charges, you must seek the guidance of a proven criminal defense attorney. At Vindicate Law, we take pride in our established track record of success when it comes to fighting wrongful and excessive shoplifting charges. With the help of our shoplifting defense lawyers, you will get the representation that you need to prove your innocence or have your charges significantly reduced. Together, we will fight for your vindication, so you can get your life back now.
Determining the Severity of Your Charges
Depending on the value of the merchandise you are alleged to have stolen, you could be facing a gross misdemeanor or a felony charge. This is a very important distinction to make right off the bat, because it tells how to approach the casewe build in your defense against shoplifting charges. The table below outlines the different thresholds of shoplifting offenses according to Washington State Law.
Third Degree Theft
If you’ve been accused of stealing merchandise with a total market value of less than $750, you’re looking at a gross misdemeanor charge, “Theft Third Degree.” Third Degree Theft charges can land you in jail for up to a year, and you could potentially be fined as much as $5,000.
Second Degree Theft
Stealing items with a total market value that exceeds $750, but is less than $5,000, is considered a class C felony. This is a serious offense, as it comes with up to five years in prison and fines as high as $10,000. To defend yourself against wrongful or overblown shoplifting charges, contact the seasoned shoplifting lawyers at Vindicate Law
First Degree Theft
If you are facing allegations of stealing more than $5,000 worth of merchandise, you may end up with a class B felony on your record. First-degree theft charges can land you in prison for up to 10 years, and you may be fined as much as $20,000 for the alleged crime. At Vindicate Law, our lawyers fight unjust shoplifting charges.
Shoplifting Defense Strategies: Taking the Right Legal Approach
There are many different approaches to take when fighting against shoplifting charges. You must determine if you are denying the accusations all together, or if you are disputing the circumstances and specific charges of your shoplifting offense. A legal representative will help you argue down the value of the merchandise you are alleged to have stolen, and in some cases, we can get the charges fully dismissed without ever seeing the inside of a courtroom.
Have You Been Accused of Shoplifting? Contact Us for a confidential case evaluation or call (888) 212-4824