Accused of stealing something and need an attorney to help you?
If you’ve been charged with theft, whether it’s shoplifting, burglary, or any other type of theft crime, having the help of a criminal lawyer who can provide a strong defense strategy is crucial.
Theft is epidemic. In fact, recent reports show Stores lost $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023; projections indicate shoplifting could cost retailers over $150 billion in 2026.
And estimates have found that nearly 9% of Americans shoplift with many small businesses experiencing shoplifting on a weekly or even daily basis.
While it may seem like theft is rampant and ‘everyone is doing it’ there are still legal consequences for most people facing theft charges. For many, this is a deterrent. For those who have tried breaking the law in this way and were caught, they’ll likely need the help of a defense lawyer if they want to potentially avoid jail or minimize the charges against them.
Let’s break down how a good defense lawyer can help protect your rights and possibly get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Understanding Your Case
The first thing your lawyer will do is carefully review all the details of your case. This includes looking at security footage, witness statements, police reports, and any other evidence the prosecution has against you.
Your lawyer will look for any mistakes made during your arrest or weaknesses in the evidence that could help your case.
Common Defense Strategies
There are several ways a lawyer might defend you against theft charges – and a good attorney will explore all options for your defense.
You might have honestly believed the property belonged to you, or someone might have given you permission to take it. Sometimes people are falsely accused of theft by someone who has a grudge against them. In other cases, the police might have conducted an illegal search or handled evidence improperly.
Let’s look at a real-world example of how this works:
Enrique’s Story
Enrique was arrested for shoplifting when he walked out of a department store with a $400 leather jacket. The store security claimed he intentionally concealed the purse and tried to steal it.
However, Enrique’s defense lawyer discovered several important facts that helped his case:
- The store’s security footage showed Enrique was talking on his phone while shopping and appeared distracted
- Enrique had the money to pay for the jacket in his account
- He had no previous criminal record
- He immediately tried to return to the store when security approached him in the parking lot
Enrique’s lawyer built a defense around “absent-mindedness” rather than criminal intent. The lawyer showed that Enrique was distracted by an important phone call about his sick mother and accidentally walked out with the jacket. Because he had the means to pay and tried to correct his mistake immediately, his lawyer was able to negotiate with the prosecutor
to have the charges reduced to a minor citation.
How Your Lawyer Can Help
A good defense lawyer will:
- Work to get evidence thrown out if it was obtained illegally
- Talk to witnesses who might support your side of the story
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Look for alternatives to jail time, like community service or counseling programs
Important Things to Remember
Be completely honest with your lawyer about what happened. They need to know everything to build the best defense for you. Don’t talk to anyone else about your case, especially the police, without your lawyer present. Even innocent comments could be used against you later.
Time is important in theft cases. The sooner you get a lawyer, the better chance you have of protecting your rights and building a strong defense. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories can fade quickly.
Possible Outcomes
With a strong defense strategy, you might see your case:
- Dismissed completely if there isn’t enough evidence
- Reduced to a less serious charge
- Resolved through a diversion program that can keep your record clean
- Settled with a plea deal that avoids jail time
Remember, being charged with theft doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Many people make mistakes or are wrongly accused. A good defense lawyer understands this and will work to protect your rights and future.
Don’t let a theft charge ruin your life. Getting help from an experienced defense lawyer early in your case can make a big difference in how your case turns out. Many lawyers offer free consultations where you can discuss your case and learn about your options.
Every case is different, but with the right defense strategy, you have a better chance of moving past this difficult time in your life and protecting your future.
Don’t Wait to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach
If you’ve been charged with a crime involving theft or shoplifting – or you are under investigation for this crime – the best time to hire a criminal defense attorney is immediately.
The earlier you have professional legal representation, the better your chances of avoiding critical mistakes, protecting your rights, and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Remember – arrests are common in Florida, the legal consequences are serious, and having a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you were charged with a serious crime in West Palm Beach or anywhere in the state of Florida, please schedule a free consultation with The Pakett Law Group. You can call 561-318-0531 or email us here.
The Pakett Law Group, PA is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality representation. With over a decade of legal experience, West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer Brian T. Pakett and his team of West Palm Beach criminal lawyers possess a comprehensive understanding of Florida criminal law – which can benefit you in your time of need.