Facing a shoplifting charge in Mississippi can be overwhelming. Shoplifting involves taking merchandise from a retail establishment without paying for it, with the intent to permanently deprive the store of its property. In Mississippi, penalties for shoplifting can range from fines and community service to jail time, depending on the value of the stolen items and prior offenses.
If you’re searching for “shoplifting lawyers near me,” you’re on the right track. Having a skilled shoplifting lawyer on your side is crucial when dealing with shoplifting charges. At Smith & Holder, PLLC, our criminal defense team in Gulfport is licensed to practice in both state and federal courts. We are strategic advocates and vigorous litigators committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome. Our comprehensive support ensures you understand every step of the legal process and the potential outcomes. Contact a lawyer for shoplifting at Smith & Holder, PLLC, to provide the dedicated legal support you need.
What Happens When You Are Charged with Shoplifting in Gulfport?
Being charged with shoplifting in Gulfport can be a daunting experience. Understanding the potential scenarios and legal process can help you navigate this challenging time.
If you are caught shoplifting at a local establishment—such as Edgewater Mall—security may detain you for attempting to leave the store with unpaid merchandise. At Walmart, loss prevention officers might apprehend you for concealing items in your bag with the intent to leave without paying. In a smaller boutique on Beach Boulevard, you could be accused of shoplifting if an employee sees you trying to remove price tags from items before leaving the store.
In each of these situations, the store will likely call the Gulfport Police Department. After your arrest, the police will take you to the station for booking, which includes taking your fingerprints, photographs, and personal information. You will either be released on bail or held until your court appearance. Attending all court hearings is crucial to avoid additional charges or a warrant for your arrest. Facing a shoplifting charge is serious, but understanding the process with the help of a shoplifting attorney can help you take the necessary steps to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome.
How a Shoplifting Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a shoplifting lawyer in Gulfport can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and work to achieve the best possible result.
As your shoplifting attorney, we will also represent you in court, advocating on your behalf during hearings and, if necessary, at trial. From start to finish, we will ensure you understand each step of the process and help you make informed decisions about your case.
Conducting a Thorough Investigation
At Smith & Holder, PLLC, we begin by thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your charges. We will review the evidence against you, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and any physical evidence. If we discover procedural errors, we will use them to challenge the validity of the charges against you.
Ensuring Accurate Valuation
In cases where the value of the allegedly stolen items is contested, our team works to ensure accurate valuation. For instance, mispricing or mislabeling could reduce the severity of the charges if the true value falls below a specific legal threshold.
Building a Strong Defense
We will identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use this information to build a strong defense. For example, we may demonstrate that you lacked the intent to steal, a crucial element of shoplifting charges. The state may drop or significantly reduce your charges if we can show them that they will not be able to prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
Protecting Your Long-Term Interests
Beyond addressing the immediate legal challenges, Smith & Holder is committed to protecting your long-term interests. A criminal conviction for shoplifting can impact your employment opportunities and personal reputation. We work diligently to minimize these consequences by exploring options such as expungement, which can remove the conviction from your record after fulfilling specific conditions.
Exploring Rehabilitation Options
Our team also evaluates the possibility of pursuing alternative resolutions that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. Such alternatives can include community service, restitution agreements, or educational programs designed to address the underlying issues contributing to the incident. We also negotiate directly with prosecutors to seek alternatives to harsh penalties, such as participation in a pretrial diversion program. Such alternatives not only protect your record but also provide a constructive path forward.
Defenses to Shoplifting Charges
Several defenses can be used to fight shoplifting charges in Gulfport. Your lawyer will evaluate the specifics of your case to determine the most effective defense strategy. Here are some common defenses to shoplifting charges:
- Lack of intent. One of the critical elements of a shoplifting charge is the intent to permanently deprive the store of its property. If you accidentally left the store with unpaid merchandise or had no intention of stealing, your lawyer can argue that you lacked the necessary intent to commit shoplifting.
- Mistaken identity. In busy stores like those at Edgewater Mall, it’s possible for security or staff to mistakenly identify you as the shoplifter. Your lawyer can challenge the accuracy of witness statements or surveillance footage.
- Ownership of the item. If you owned the item in question or had already purchased it elsewhere, your lawyer can present evidence to support this claim.
- Lack of evidence. Your lawyer will scrutinize the evidence presented and may argue that there is insufficient proof to support a conviction.
Facing a shoplifting charge in Gulfport can be daunting, but understanding the process and having a skilled lawyer for shoplifting on your side can make a significant difference.
Speak with an Experienced Gulfport Shoplifting Attorney to Get Started on Your Defense Today
If you are looking for “shoplifting lawyers near me,” you can stop your search and give Smith & Holder, PLLC, a call. At Smith & Holder, PLLC, we are committed to securing the best possible result on every case we handle, whether it involves a serious felony or a first-time misdemeanor. Our attorneys combine extensive trial experience with a deep understanding of Mississippi law to ensure you receive personalized and effective representation. We offer free case reviews to evaluate your situation and explore the best path forward.
Our firm was recently recognized for obtaining one of the largest verdicts in our area in over two decades, showcasing our dedication and results-driven approach. Additionally, both of our founding attorneys bring unique skills to the table: one with years of experience as a public defender in Gulfport and the other with a strong background in handling high-stakes felony trials. We take great pride in being able to help good people out of bad situations and look forward to discussing how we can help with your case.
To learn more about working with a shoplifting defense lawyer, connect with our lawyers by completing our secure online contact form.
