Long Beach Shoplifting Attorney

Facing Charges for Shoplifting? Get Aggressive Defense

As early as possible after you or your child has been arrested for shoplifting, contact West Coast Defense. Led by a former Deputy District Attorney, we have an inside understanding of how law enforcement investigates these types of cases and how the prosecutor is likely to go about building the evidence against you.

Arrested for shoplifting? Turn to our Long Beach shoplifting lawyer for defense. Contact us today!

Penalties for Shoplifting in California

Under state law, shoplifting is a petty theft crime offense that occurs when the value of stolen goods is no greater than $950. It includes not only concealing an item in a bag or under clothes with the purpose of smuggling the item out of a store, but also altering or removing a price tag or magnetic anti-theft device.

If you are convicted on the charges, you can be sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine and serve up to 6 months in jail, as well as being placed on probation for several years. In cases where the stolen goods were of low value, it may be possible to negotiate with the D.A. to have the misdemeanor reduced to an infraction. This type of reduction is based on the fact that shoplifting is a "wobbler," an offense that can sometimes be addressed in this way.

One of the most common defenses to a charge of shoplifting is to allege the defendant simply did not have the intention of stealing the item. If, for example, it was in a purse or other open bag, it might be possible to argue that you merely placed it there with the intention of paying at the cash register, but then forgot about the item.

Fight Your Shoplifting Charges. Call (800) 922-6989 for a Free Consultation.

There are other approaches such as using evidence that demonstrates that you had reason to believe that you had a right to take the item or that it was already yours, or even that you have been falsely accused. Even if it is not possible to prove your innocence, a Long Beach shoplifting attorney may still be able to have the penalties reduced by negotiating a plea bargain. The key is to take action now.

Don't face shoplifting charges alone. Contact our Long Beach shoplifting attorney now at (800) 922-6989.