How to Fight a Shoplifting Charge
If you’ve been charged with shoplifting, it’s essential to hire legal representation to try and get the charges dismissed, otherwise, you may end up with a permanent criminal charge on your record. The state of Indiana takes theft very seriously and shoplifting is no different. If you’ve shoplifted something of less than $750 in value, you can end up with a Class A Misdemeanor.
Anything more than $750 in value will leave you with a level 6 felony charge and can hinder you from securing good jobs in the future. A Terre Haute criminal defense lawyer from Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm can be a key resource in building your defense against the prosecution and ensuring your charges are reduced or dismissed.
Challenge the Accusation
One option you have when being charged with shoplifting is to challenge the accusation. If you want to prove you were innocent in your shoplifting case, you and your attorney will have to build a defense against two things: your intent to conceal the item intended for sale and your intent to leave the store without paying for the item.
Make a Deal
If you know you were guilty of the shoplifting charge, instead of trying to prove your innocence, you can try to make a deal with the prosecution. A plea deal may include paying a fine, serving a portion of your penalty, and in the long run, getting the charge expunged from your record. Although you might think this option isn’t as desirable, being able to have the charge off your record in the future is beneficial.
Reach Out to a Terre Haute Criminal Defense Attorney
The state of Indiana takes shoplifting seriously, and if you don’t have a strong criminal defense team behind you, you can end up being treated as a criminal for the rest of your life. At Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm, we’ll work our hardest to ensure that your charges are reduced or dismissed so you can live a normal life without this mistake following you forever.
If you’re ready to speak to a Terre Haute criminal defense lawyer about your case, you can schedule a free consultation by filling out the contact form below or by calling 1-812-232-7400.
