Greenwich Shoplifting Lawyer
Shoplifting is classified the same way as larceny under Connecticut law. When something is taken from a store with the intent to permanently deprive, the penalties are the same as well. This charge can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the property taken.
The lawyers who specialize in shoplifting cases often represent teenagers. Any of these attorneys understand how to work with these cases, sometimes convincing the judge or prosecutor for leniency considering the teenager’s young age and isolated, a one-time lapse in good judgment. This strategy often helps the teenager avoid a criminal record.
If you have been charged with shoplifting and are seeking legal representation, it is imperative that you consult with a knowledgeable Greenwich shoplifting lawyer as soon as possible.
Shoplifting Arrest Process
Often, shoplifting lawyers in Greenwich come across cases involving jewelry store robberies on Greenwich Avenue. There are many high-priced jewelry stores and boutiques in the area, and every so often an individual is caught shoplifting from one of them. Sometimes, there are off-duty police officers and detectives working outside of these jewelry stores to provide private security services.
When a person is arrested for such a crime, they need to hire a trusted lawyer as soon as possible. The most common charge is conspiracy to commit robbery, because robberies of this nature often involve multiple participants, and each person plays a role. While some people might be more active in a robbery than others, even driving a getaway car or helping to plan the robbery can put an individual in jail for 10 to 20 years.
Robbery differs from theft because it involves the use, or threatened use, of physical force in connection with the taking of property. This is especially true if weapons are used or the threat of a weapon is involved.
This conduct raises the severity of the crime and is considered very serious. The Stamford criminal court is less likely to grant diversionary programs such as the Accelerated Rehabilitation Program when weapons are involved in a Greenwich robbery arrest.
Trust in a Greenwich Shoplifting Attorney
A person charged with such a crime should contact a Greenwich shoplifting lawyer immediately. When there are multiple suspects involved, the police will often interrogate each suspect separately and pressure them into confessing and giving up their co-conspirators. Agreeing to a police interview without an attorney present is a bad idea for any suspect.
A suspect should understand that they can always talk to the police at a later date and time. The suspect should also understand their rights and understand the consequences of the charges filed against them before making any incriminating statements. They should always call an attorney first, no matter how intimidating the police might be, or how much they may threaten about the consequences. There is jail time involved, and a defendant should not let the police convince them that they need to cooperate.