Allowing one error not to define your destiny Shoplifting charges can be life-altering. Your reputation and future are on the line. One error, however, should not frame the course of your life. If arrested, you’ve been shoplifting in Missouri and need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City who knows the law and has a vested interest in your situation.
You may ask, what is shoplifting?
Shoplifting refers to the act of removing something from a store without payment. Shoplifting is against the law in Kansas City and the entire state of Missouri. The law takes shoplifting very seriously. The penalty depends on what was stolen and what it’s worth. How much what was stolen typically depends on whether or not it’s a misdemeanor or a felony.
For instance:
- Taking property that’s worth under $500 is typically a misdemeanor.
- Goods stolen worth over $500 may qualify for felony offenses.
The greater the charge, the greater the punishment. With something of low value, a conviction will damage your future.
How Severe Is a Shoplifting Offense?
You may consider shoplifting a petty crime, but it can have severe consequences. Conviction can lead to:
- Thousand-dollar fines.
- Jail or prison, particularly on a repeat charge.
- Probation, with strict conditions.
- Community service.
- A criminal record that will follow you wherever you go.
The record can make it hard to find employment, rent a home, or even loans. The majority of employers do criminal background checks, and a shoplifting conviction is the kiss of death.
Why You Need a Shoplifting Lawyer in Kansas City
The system is complex. Police and courts have formal procedures you may not know about. A Kansas City shoplifting lawyer knows how to work the system. They can:
- Clarify your rights.
- Explain charges against you.
- Obtain evidence to build a defense.
- Speak for you in dealings with prosecutors.
- Negotiate a charge reduction or dismissal.
- Defend you in court.
A lawyer does not merely defend you. A lawyer steers you through a challenging process.
What Is a Kansas City Shoplifting Lawyer?
Your lawyer will first read your case thoroughly. They will:
- Review the arrest circumstances.
- Review police evidence.
- Interview witnesses when needed.
- Review store security tape.
- Check if the police were in procedure.
Errors which are committed in the arrest process can at times be utilized to support your defense. For example, if the police failed to read your rights to you or frisked you without reasonable cause, you can have your attorney argue it out in court. Your attorney also speaks with you. Your attorney hears your version of events. This helps in coming up with a solid defense that is appropriate for your case.
Possible Defenses to Charges of Shoplifting
There are many defenses to a charge of shoplifting. Your lawyer will look for circumstances which suggest you did not intend to steal. Some of the most common defenses are:
- No intent: You did not plan to steal. You may have forgotten to pay or thought that the product was free.
- Mistaken identity: You are not the one who stole the product.
- Shoplifting policy: The business was not applying policy, i.e., proper signage or security.
- Coercion: You were compelled by another person to steal.
- Unlawful search: Store staff or police had no authority to hold you or search you.
Both have a defense. Your lawyer will select the one that best fits you.
How Missouri Charges Shoplifting
Missouri charges shoplifting according to the value of the item:
- Petty Theft (Under $500): Usually a misdemeanor. Fine and short jail time can be punishment.
- Stealing (Over $500): Felony. Greater penalty and can be jail for an extended period.
The amount involved is crucial. Your lawyer will attempt to plead that the value was less than the charge amount or that the store made a mistake.
What Happens When A Person Is Arrested?
When you are arrested, you will be booked. That is, you will be photographed and fingerprinted. You may be jailed or released on bail. You appear in court the first time at an arraignment. You will be told the charges and enter a plea. This is the time when an attorney can be helpful.
Plea Agreements and Alternatives
The vast majority of shoplifting cases never actually go to trial. Your attorney will try to plea you down. That is where you enter a plea of guilty to a lesser charge. Plea bargaining reduces punishment and jail time. Occasionally, diversion programs are offered. These permit first offenders to avoid a criminal record by attending classes, doing community service, or undergoing counseling. All of these alternatives will be explained to you by your lawyer. You and your lawyer will decide.
How to Choose the Top Kansas City Shoplifting Lawyer
Not all lawyers are the same. You require one who:
- Has experience in shoplifting matters.
- Knows Kansas City and Missouri law.
- Explain it in simple language.
- I will work hard for you.
- Offers a free consultation to discuss your case.
Ask questions like:
- How many shoplifting cases have you handled?
- What’s your success rate?
- What are you going to cost?
- How will you keep me informed?
The proper attorney can make a huge difference.
What If It’s My First Offense?
First-time offenders generally have more options. Courts are more likely to offer alternatives to incarceration. Your lawyer can ask:
- Deferred judgments.
- Probation instead of jail time.
- Expungement after the case is complete.
You can still build your future even though you’ve made something wrong.
The Shoplifting Attorney Price
Attorney fees differ. Most attorneys include a free consultation. There may be hourly or flat fees. Pay for an attorney like one would invest. Pay now and save later, like not having to make larger payments in the future, like fines or losing a job.
Preparing for Your Meeting with an Attorney
Gather all that pertains to your case, like:
- Police reports.
- Court documents.
- Witness contact numbers.
- Receipts or records you paid for items.
- Notes of what happened.
Honest with your lawyer. The more they know, the better they can help.
What If I Can’t Pay for an Attorney?
If you are not able to pay, you may qualify for a public defender. These are lawyers who the court appoints to represent those who are unable to pay for private lawyers. Public defenders handle a lot of cases. If at all feasible, arrange for an individual lawyer who will give you extra time and attention.
Don’t Let One Wrong Step Ruin Your Life
We all make the wrong step sometimes. An arrest for shoplifting is bad but not necessary to ruin your life. You can move past this with the right help. An experienced Kansas City Shoplifting lawyer will represent you and your future. You deserve a second chance.
Most Kansas City Shoplifting FAQs
Q1: What happens if I am charged with shoplifting in Kansas City?
Be quiet. Don’t make a confession or answer questions without a lawyer. Ask for a lawyer before answering.
Q2: Can shoplifting be erased from my record?
Maybe. Your lawyer can act on behalf of you in expungement, especially for a first offense.
Q3: How do I pay for a Kansas City shoplifting lawyer?
Fees vary. All lawyers offer free consultations and flat fees or hourly fees. Find the cost upfront.
Q4: Am I going to be sent to jail for shoplifting?
It varies with the amount of merchandise and if you’re a repeat offender. Your lawyer can abate or remove incarceration.
Q5: Can one avoid having a criminal record for shoplifting?
Yes, occasionally. Diversion programs or plea bargains can help you escape having a permanent record.
Markmalte is an experienced writer for The Celebrity Niche, specializing in celebrity stories. With a keen eye for detail, he brings the latest updates on celebrity relationships, biographies, and news to his readers.
