Ridgefield Shoplifting Lawyer
Under the Connecticut Penal Code, retail store owners and managers have fairly broad authority to detain and then press criminal charges against anyone they believe has attempted to take or actually taken merchandise without paying the full listed price for it. A criminal conviction for “Shoplifting” can lead to serious sanctions, which may include jail time even for first-time offenders with no prior criminal record.
Being accused of Shoplifting is a serious matter that can have long-lasting repercussions, and it is not the kind of situation you should try handling without a skilled private defense attorney’s help. From explaining the ins and outs of state law for you to negotiating for a favorable case resolution in or out of court, your Ridgefield Shoplifting lawyer can tenaciously protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process.
Are There Unique Penalties for Shoplifting in Connecticut?
While some states distinguish Shoplifting as a distinct criminal offense, the Connecticut Penal Code broadly treats it as just a form of simple Larceny and follows the same sentencing guidelines as those applicable to other types of Larceny offenses. This means that, with limited exceptions for the theft of certain types of property and/or from certain types of people, state law classifies the theft or misappropriation of less than $1,000 worth of merchandise from a retail store as a misdemeanor and upgrades the offense to a felony if the total value of merchandise allegedly taken is more than $1,000.
Notably, though, Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) §53a-119a gives store owners and employees the right to detain and demand identifying information from any person they see concealing goods on their person and/or taking goods from their store without paying for it. Additionally, people convicted of shoplifting can be—and very often are—held civilly liable for any loss of revenue their actions caused to a store owner as well as that store owner’s legal expenses, as a Ridgefield Shoplifting attorney can further explain.
Options for Contesting Shoplifting Allegations
As with any other type of Theft offense, someone can only be convicted of Shoplifting in Connecticut if the prosecution proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally and knowingly took or attempted to take someone else’s property in order to benefit from it themselves and/or deprive the rightful owner for its use. However, state law also allows courts to presume intent to shoplift by anyone who conceals goods on their person, which is a unique wrinkle to Shoplifting cases in particular that a qualified lawyer in Ridgefield can help navigate around.
Legal counsel can also help negotiate alternatives to criminal conviction and sentencing under certain circumstances, particularly if you are a minor and/or a first-time offender. In these kinds of scenarios, it may be possible to get Shoplifting charges dismissed by requesting permission from a judge to participate in an Accelerated Rehabilitation program instead.
A Ridgefield Shoplifting Attorney Can Help
No matter how the allegations came about or what specifically you were accused of taking, it is important to act promptly and proactively after being criminally charged with Shoplifting. With that in mind, you should make it a priority as soon as possible after learning of the accusations against you to seek help from dedicated legal representation with experience handling cases like yours successfully in the past.
A Ridgefield shoplifting lawyer can provide the help you need. Call Mark Sherman Law today to learn more, or click here to read some of the 300+ verified reviews from past clients on our Avvo.com profile.