Columbia Shoplifting Lawyer
Shoplifting and stealing are some of the most common crimes that happen in Columbia, but that doesn’t make them any less serious. In the state of Missouri, shoplifting is considered a form of stealing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation found that there were 3,242 cases of property crime in Columbia, and 2,431 cases of theft. The charges and consequences for these crimes can have a lifelong affect on your life. That’s why, when you’re facing shoplifting charges, you should call an experience criminal defense attorney to help you out.
What are Shoplifting Laws in Columbia?
Missouri law has no specific laws for shoplifting specifically, instead, the law considers it as a form to stealing. That means that any time you try to take an item from a store without paying, whether you’re trying to conceal it or not, could end up with your facing this charge.
What’s more, store employees and shop owners have the legal precedent to assume you’re shoplifting. If staff finds you with merchandise or money concealed on your person while shopping, they can assume you are doing so with the intent of shoplifting. They can also keep you detained until law enforcement arrives if you’re under suspicion.
What Kind of Punishment Do I Face for Shoplifting?
Just like any other crime in the state of Missouri, the kind of charges you will face and the punishments that come after are largely dependent on the circumstances of your crime. When it comes to shoplifting, stealing, or other theft-related crimes, the monetary value of the items stolen is the largest deciding factor in your charges.
If, for example, you’ve been caught with $150 or less in stolen goods, you will face a Class D Misdemeanor, including possible fines, restitution, and court fees. A misdemeanor charge can appear on background checks and prevent you from getting a new job or being accepted into a school.
If the value of your shoplifted items is somewhere between $150 and $750, you are facing a more serious Class A Misdemeanor charges. Not only will this misdemeanor haunt you like any other, but you will face higher fines and possibly even jail time with a Class A Misdemeanor.
Finally, shoplifting property that is valued as greater than $750 is bumped up to a Class D Felony charge. This could mean up to seven years in jail and fines up to $10,000. Felonies are an even blacker mark on your record: not only will it appear on background checks, but you can be denied access to public benefits and might even have your right to vote taken away.
Don’t Face Your Case Alone and Contact Chris Miller Today
Your life can very easily be ruined by any of these charges. Luckily, there are multiple avenues of defense in cases like this. Your defense and how to present yourself is something you should speak to a theft lawyer in Columbia about as soon as possible. An attorney could help you understand your situation, find the best defense solution, and collect your evidence to assert the facts.
Whether you were shoplifting just a few things or were caught with something more expensive, you need someone who understands your plight. At the Law Office of Chris Miller, we will handle your case with the attention to detail you need and the kindness you deserve. We’ve helped countless others with their case, and if you give us a call, we can help you too.