We can all make mistakes, and we can all be subject to misunderstandings. When these mistakes or misunderstandings relate to shoplifting charges in Braselton, GA, however, those accused of stealing from retailers have a vested interest in defending against charges to the fullest extent of their rights. Those rights include the right to appoint a Braselton shoplifting lawyer who can provide criminal defense advice and strategic actions that reduce the likelihood of a conviction for your theft by shoplifting charges.
Shoplifting can be seen as a serious crime in Georgia, and those accused of repeat offenses risk facing minimum fines and minimum imprisonment if they are convicted. Hiring a criminal defense attorney in Braselton can reduce the chances of you receiving the full brunt of your charges, which can have long-term consequences for your future.
By exploring your legal options in light of past cases similar to yours and with the knowledge of how prosecutors and judges approached them, your shoplifting attorney in Braselton can guide you towards the optimal legal strategy for your situation.
With their help, you could potentially get your charges dismissed or reduced, or you could be completely exonerated from all charges following criminal proceedings. These outcomes are not possible in all cases, but with the help of your shoplifting lawyer, you can explore your legal options and strategies to seek the best possible outcome for your case.
The criminal defense lawyers at Andersen, Tate & Carr have years of experience on both sides of the criminal justice system. Our criminal defense team includes a lawyer with experience as a district attorney whose familiarity with the prosecution’s mindsets can give our clients a strategic edge. Both of our head criminal defense attorneys are AV Rated Preeminent, have Super Lawyers accolades, and achieved perfect 10/10 Avvo scores.
Work with shoplifting lawyers in Braselton who have the experience, skills, and legal expertise to give your case a fighting chance. You can receive a free consultation during your initial appointment when you contact us today using our online form or by calling 770-822-0900.
Shoplifting Isn’t Just Stealing Items in Braselton
Georgia’s laws (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14) describe many different types of shoplifting. Because of these laws, you may be charged with shoplifting even if you did not walk out of a store with an item you did not pay for. Under this definition, shoplifting can also include:
- Deliberately altering a price tag or price marking
- Transferring goods to a different container for the purposes of paying a lower price or to avoid paying for concealed items
- Changing labels or price tags
- Otherwise avoiding paying the full price of an item through intentional deception or other wrongful behavior
Types of Shoplifting Charges You May Face in Braselton, GA
Georgia laws describe the conditions and penalties for theft by shoplifting in O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14. According to these laws, someone can face the following charges:
- Shoplifting items with a combined value of $500 or less (misdemeanor):
- First offense: Misdemeanor penalties, including fines up to $1,000, up to 12 months in county jail, both a fine and imprisonment or alternate arrangements at the sentencing judge’s discretion
- Second offense: A mandatory minimum fine of $500 and other possible misdemeanor penalties described above
- Third offense: Mandatory minimum imprisonment for 30 days, or 120 days in a community correctional facility, probation detention center, or other appropriate facility
- Fourth offense: All charges now count as felonies and carry an imprisonment sentence of no less than one year and no more than ten years
- Shoplifting items with a combined value greater than $500 (felony):
- Fines and imprisonment of at least one year and up to 10 years
- Shoplifting from three or more locations within 7 days or less where the value of items stolen in each incident equals >$500 in value (felony):
- Fines and imprisonment of at least one year and up to 10 years
Defend Your Rights with a Braselton Shoplifting Lawyer
A criminal conviction can carry long-term consequences that be a burden in your life and close the door to major opportunities. You have the right to fight shoplifting charges, including the right to examine whether due process was followed leading up to your arrest and during criminal proceedings.
You can get help from experienced Braselton shoplifting attorneys who will explore every option available for your case. They will guide you through every step of the legal process, offering honest advice and keeping you informed of all your available options.
If you are facing possible shoplifting charges in Braselton and want to fight back, work with a criminal defense attorney who will give your case a fighting chance. You can learn more about your options and potentially start your defense case when you speak with a shoplifting lawyer during a free initial case review.
Schedule your free case evaluation today by calling 770-822-0900 or by using our convenient online form to contact us today.