Shoplifting
A shoplifting charge is a crime no one wants tagged to their name. You likely feel embarrassed, frustrated, and worried about what fine or sentence you may receive. At times, it may seem like no one is in your corner as you sift through your legal options.
Don’t try to battle a shoplifting charge alone. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Stroud Law Firm will fight for your rights and guide you through the steps necessary to secure the best possible outcome. Shoplifting is not a charge that should be taken lightly. It can have serious implications on your future, especially your career. You need someone with experience and skill to help you move past the incident and on with your life.
Can I be convicted of shoplifting when I never left the store with the merchandise?
Below are some notes from Mississippi law demonstrating the need for timely action after a shoplifting charge:
Mississippi Code Annotated § 97-23-93 deals with shoplifting.
- A person may be guilty of shoplifting if that person willfully and unlawfully takes possession of merchandise owned or held and offered or displayed for sale by any merchant or store for the purpose of converting the merchandise to the person’s own use without paying the merchant’s stated price.
- A first or second conviction for shoplifting merchandise valued at $500 or less will result in that person being fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned up to six months, or both.
- A third conviction for shoplifting merchandise valued at $500 or less will be considered a felony, and the person convicted may be punished by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
- A person convicted of shoplifting merchandise valued at more than $500 will be guilty of a felony, and will be fined up to $10,000 or imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both.
Shoplifting charges are treated very seriously, and stores usually push for an alleged offender to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In most cases, a person charged with shoplifting will not be allowed to reenter the store where the alleged shoplifting took place.
If you have been charged with shoplifting in Southaven, DeSoto County, Olive Branch, Hernando, Tunica, Horn Lake, or any of the surrounding Northern Mississippi towns, you may have defenses available to you. It is important that you have a qualified criminal defense attorney representing you and looking out for your rights. Contact The Stroud Law Firm today, based in Southaven, Mississippi, to begin battling your shoplifting charges.
