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Shoplifting in Florida

Shoplifting is a crime in Florida and is punishable by law. The penalties for shoplifting depend on the value of the merchandise stolen, as well as the number of prior convictions the offender has.

The first step in shoplifting is to take merchandise from a store without paying for it. This can be done in a number of ways, including concealment, switching price tags, or removing security devices. Once the merchandise is taken from the store, the offender must then leave the premises without being detected. If they are caught before leaving, they may be subject to detention by store security.

The value of the merchandise stolen will determine the severity of the charge. For instance, if the value of the merchandise is less than $100, the offender will be charged with a misdemeanor and can face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the value of the merchandise is more than $100, the offender will be charged with a felony and can face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

The number of prior convictions an offender has will also affect the penalties they face. For example, an offender with no prior convictions who is caught shoplifting for the first time will likely receive a lighter sentence than an offender with multiple prior convictions. However, even first-time offenders can face serious penalties, including jail time and fines.

Shoplifting is a crime that can have serious consequences. Those who are convicted of shoplifting can face jail time, fines, and a criminal record. If you have been charged with shoplifting, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and defend your rights.

Shoplifting is very common, here are some statistics of shoplifting in the state of Florida:

  • In 2018, there were over 22,000 shoplifting incidents in Florida
  • The average value of merchandise stolen in a shoplifting incident is $377
  • The majority of shoplifting incidents occur at retail stores, followed by supermarkets and pharmacies
  • Shoplifting is most common among adults aged 18-24, followed by 25-34 year olds
  • The majority of shoplifting incidents are committed by females (61%), followed by males (39%)

The penalties for shoplifting in Florida are as follows:

  • First offense: misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
  • Second offense: felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
  • Third offense: felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

What Happens if Accused of Shoplifting in Florida

According to Florida Statute 812.015, shoplifting is defined as knowingly taking goods or merchandise from a store without paying for them. This includes altering or removing price tags, switching items from one container to another, or taking advantage of a pricing error. Shoplifting is considered a theft crime and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony offense, depending on the value of the merchandise stolen.

If you are caught shoplifting in Florida, the first thing that will happen is that you will be detained by store security or law enforcement. You may be asked to wait in a holding area until the police arrive, or you may be taken into custody right away. Once the police arrive, they will read you your Miranda rights and ask you questions about the incident. It is important that you do not answer these questions without an attorney present, as anything you say can be used against you in court.

After you have been questioned, you will likely be arrested and taken to the police station for processing. You will be fingerprinted and your mugshot will be taken. You will then be given a court date and released on your own recognizance, or you may be required to post bail.

If you are convicted of shoplifting in Florida, the penalties you face will depend on the value of the merchandise stolen. If the value is less than $100, you will be charged with a misdemeanor offense and can face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. If the value is between $100 and $300, you will be charged with a felony offense and can face up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If the value is more than $300, you will be charged with a felony offense and can face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

If you have been accused of shoplifting in Florida, it is important that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review your case and help you navigate the legal process. They will also work to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.

How We Can Help

These are the ways an experienced criminal defense attorney in Florida can help with shoplifting charges.

If you’ve been arrested for shoplifting in Florida, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.

In Florida, shoplifting is defined as knowingly taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. The penalties for shoplifting depend on the value of the merchandise involved. For stolen property valued at $100 or less, the crime is considered a misdemeanor of the second degree. This can result in up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

If the value of the stolen property is greater than $100 but less than $750, the crime is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree. This can result in up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

If the value of the stolen property is greater than $750 but less than $5,000, the crime is considered a felony of the third degree. This can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

If the value of the stolen property is greater than $5,000, the crime is considered a felony of the second degree. This can result in up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

In addition to any jail time or fines imposed, those convicted of shoplifting may be required to pay restitution to the victim store. Restitution can include the value of the stolen merchandise, as well as any damage done to the store in the course of the shoplifting.

This is what happens at a court hearing in Florida for the crime of shoplifting. The punishment if you are convicted of shoplifting in Florida is also discussed.

If you commit the crime of shoplifting in Florida, you will be subject to a court hearing. At this hearing, the prosecutor will present evidence against you and try to prove that you committed the crime. If the judge finds that there is enough evidence to convict you, you will be found guilty and sentenced accordingly.

The punishment for shoplifting in Florida depends on the value of the merchandise that was stolen. If the value of the merchandise is $300 or less, then you will be fined up to $500 and may also be imprisoned for up to 60 days. If the value of the merchandise is more than $300, then you will be fined up to $5,000 and may also be imprisoned for up to 5 years.

If you are convicted of shoplifting in Florida, you will have a criminal record. This record can make it difficult to get a job, rent an apartment, or get a loan. You may also be required to complete a theft prevention program and perform community service.

If you have been charged with shoplifting in Florida, it is important that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you fight the charges and protect your rights.

Those who have been arrested for shoplifting in Florida have the right to a fair trial. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of success in your case. If you’ve been charged with shoplifting, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced attorney today.

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