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What To Do if You’ve Been Arrested for Shoplifting

At The Blanch Law Firm, our skilled criminal defense attorney team represents people accused and charged with shoplifting on a regular basis. As a result, our knowledge of the legal process with relation to shoplifting laws is extensive and well-respected. To speak with a criminal defense attorney, contact The Blanch Law Firm today at 646-797-4820.

If you have been accused of, arrested for or charged with shoplifting, there are some important steps you can take to assure yourself the best results possible for your criminal defense.

Step 1 – Do Not Speak to Police Without An Attorney

An experienced criminal defense attorney who regularly defends against shoplifting charges will be able to provide you with qualified legal counsel. After you are arrested, law enforcement officials (whether state or federal) will attempt to get any sort of confession out of you that they can. Even if you know you are innocent, statements you make can be construed in different ways and used against you or even someone you know in a court of law. You may also think that you are answering innocuous questions regarding the events in question, but without a skilled criminal defense attorney, you are left to the mercy of the police interrogation team.

Step 2 – Contact a Top-Notch Criminal Defense Attorney

Shoplifting is usually a misdemeanor, but defending against shoplifting charges is actually very complex. A criminal litigation professional will have to understand defense techniques involving security technology and have experience dealing with district attorney prosecution tactics. Fortunately, The Blanch Law Firm’s criminal litigation team spent years working in various District Attorney’s Offices, giving them an insider’s perspective into shoplifting prosecution efforts. They also have a successful track record of defending against theft crime charges, including: misdemeanor shoplifting; felony shoplifting; petty theft; grand larceny; and much more.

Step 3 – Decide What Bail Option You Want

After being booked, you will have the option of being released on bond, and may even be released on a personal recognizance bond (this is rare however). You can choose to pay the bond amount in full, or utilize the services of a bail bondsman who will charge a fixed percentage of the bail amount as their fee for posting the bond. A bail bondsman fee is usually around ten percent of the bail, and if you fail to appear in court the bail bondsman will come looking for your or your family’s assets to recoup his or her losses. If you do know of any bail bondsman, your criminal defense attorney will be able to suggest someone.

Step 4 – Prepare for Your Arraignment

Whether or not you chose to bail out, you will be assigned a time to stand before a judge for your arraignment. In most instances, you will enter your plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest at this hearing, and if you have not chosen a lawyer for yourself, the state will appoint one for you. It is vitally important to have a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney with you at this time. A court-appointed attorney will not be able to provide the kind of attention you and your case require, and will not make your freedom a top priority.

Should you plead not guilty, a trial will be scheduled and the criminal investigation will follow. From beginning to end, a defense attorney familiar with shoplifting laws can mean the difference between a year behind bars and no jail time.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been charged with a felony shoplifting or misdemeanor shoplifting charge, contact The Blanch Law Firm today at 646-797-4820.