When a person takes merchandise from a retail facility with the intention of permanently depriving that place of the item, it is considered shoplifting. However, someone can be charged with shoplifting even if they never left the store with the item. Regardless, when you are charged with shoplifting, it can create a personal and financial burden that extends beyond the crime’s possible jail time.
When you have been accused of or charged with shoplifting, you need a diligent theft attorney to help you develop a defense. Having shoplifting or another petty theft charge may not seem like a big deal until you realize the effect a criminal record will have on your future. Therefore, the assistance provided by a Pickens County shoplifting lawyer could be invaluable to you.
Understanding the Basic Facts
Under South Carolina Code § 16-13-110, shoplifting is defined as when a person is accused of trying to defraud a business or merchant by not paying the retail price for their items. It is a criminal charge, and depending on the value of the items taken, the person may face a felony or misdemeanor.
The prosecutor must prove that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by showing that they did one of the following:
- Removed items from a place of business without paying the full retail price
- Removed or altered a price tag to attempt to buy the item at the altered price
- Willfully concealed an item with the intent to avoid paying full retail price for it
The prosecutor also has the burden of proof to show that the accused had the intent to do the specified actions. Christopher L. Jones is a qualified attorney in Pickens County who could help you disprove the shoplifting accusations against you.
What Are the Possible Penalties?
The possible penalties for shoplifting can be harsh, including fines, jail or prison time, probation, loss of professional license, or gaining admission to an educational institution. There are varying charges a person may have to pay depending on the overall cost of the stolen goods:
Stolen Property Less Than $2,000
You will be charged with a misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $1,000 and imprisonment of up to 30 days, if the stolen property’s value is less than $2,000.
Stolen Property Between $2,000 to $10,000
The crime is a felony, punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 and a maximum of 5 years of jail time, if the stolen property’s value is between $2,000 and $10,000.
Property Worth Greater Than $10,000
It is also a felony if the merchandise is worth more than $10,000. There is a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to 10 years of jail time.
If you have two or more convictions on your record for shoplifting or other property crimes that are based on the property’s monetary value, you can be charged under South Carolina’s property crime enhancement law, no matter the dollar amount. As a result, having a Pickens County attorney handle your shoplifting case is incredibly important.
Call a Pickens County Attorney To Defend Your Shoplifting Case Today
There are many possible defenses against shoplifting. The most common defense is to dispute the specific intent aspect. Despite what a store security guard or officer may think, shoplifting is not a cut-and-dry case.
Attorney Christopher L. Jones is a dedicated Pickens County shoplifting lawyer who could aggressively explore all legal options to maximize the strength of your defense. Call today to schedule a no-cost case evaluation.
