Panama City Shoplifting Lawyers

Charged with Shoplifting in Florida? Let Hinson Law Offices Defend You!

The state of Florida takes retail theft or shoplifting very seriously. If you have been charged with shoplifting, you are facing potentially severe penalties. You need an experienced Panama City shoplifting lawyer on your side to fight the charges and protect your rights.

At Hinson Law Offices, our skilled attorney has spent years in the legal field and has handled numerous criminal cases. We understand how the system works and will work diligently to help you resolve your case as quickly as possible.

Call (850) 403-6348 or complete our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

What is Considered Retail Theft in Florida?

In Florida, retail theft and shoplifting are considered criminal offenses and are governed by Section 812.014 of the Florida Statutes. The law defines retail theft as the intentional taking or carrying away of merchandise, property, money, or negotiable instruments offered for sale, with the intent to deprive the merchant of the item's full value.

Consequences of Shoplifting Charges in Florida

If you are convicted of shoplifting, you will face penalties that are based on the value of the items you attempted to steal.

The penalties for shoplifting are:

• If the value of the stolen property is $100 or less, the offense is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine
• If the value of the stolen property is $100 to less than $300, the offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine
• If the value of the stolen property is $300 to less than $20,000, the offense is a felony of the third degree, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine
• If the value of the stolen property is $20,000 to less than $100,000, the offense is a felony of the second degree, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine

Additionally, under Florida law, a merchant may also pursue civil remedies against a person accused of retail theft, including seeking damages in the form of a civil penalty, plus the retail value of the stolen merchandise or the actual damages incurred, whichever is greater.

Shoplifting and Prior Convictions

If you have been convicted of shoplifting in the past, you may be facing even harsher penalties if you are arrested for shoplifting again. The state of Florida has a recidivism statute that makes it easier for prosecutors to convict you and for the judge to sentence you harshly if you have prior convictions for theft or other property crimes.

If you have been charged with shoplifting, you need an experienced Panama City shoplifting lawyer on your side. At Hinson Law Offices, we will work hard to protect your rights and fight to help you resolve your case in the best way possible.

Get a Free Case Evaluation from Our Panama City Theft Defense Team