With several malls and various other outlets found throughout Gwinnett County, we have seen a huge increase in the number of persons charged with shoplifting. Theft by shoplifting occurs when one takes merchandise from a retail establishment by means of concealment, altering or swapping price tags or by transferring the item to an alternate container.
Gwinnett County Shoplifting Defense Lawyer
The most common theft offense is shoplifting and it carries a complicated format for sentencing. Misdemeanor shoplifting occurs when the merchandise is valued at $300 or less. Felony shoplifting occurs when a) the merchandise is valued at over $300; b) one commits their fourth shoplifting offense no matter the value of the merchandise; c) one takes merchandise with a total value of just $100 from three different retailers within a seven day period and all within the same county.
The punishment for felony shoplifting ranges from one to ten years in prison with the fourth offense requiring a minimum of one year in prison. Felony offenses would be prosecuted in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County while misdemeanors would be prosecuted either in one of the city/municipal courts, the Recorder’s Court of Gwinnett County or the State Court of Gwinnett County. Pretrial diversion may be an option for some 1st time offenders with our firm having worked with local prosecutors since 1992 in assisting clients avoiding a conviction and criminal record.
Experienced Shoplifting Defense Lawyer in Gwinnett County
Many retailers also pursue civil actions against those charged with shoplifting which may expose the accused to even more financial burdens. Please do not hesitate to contact us to see if we may be of assistance to you or someone you know facing criminal or civil prosecution.
