Shoplifting, also known as petty theft from a retail outlet, is a crime of moral turpitude and can have serious and long lasting effects on someone’s future. A theft crime can potentially cause the loss of occupational licenses like nursing, contractors, teaching, real estate sales etc. While the first offense may be a misdemeanor, if convicted it usually requires a booking and release from jail, probation, fines, potential additional custody or public work and even a theft class.
Many people think just because they were caught shoplifting, and even confessed, it does no good to hire an attorney….but an attorney can often times get the charge reduced to a lesser offense or infraction and avoid many of the serious consequences that go along with a theft conviction. Attorneys can make all the appearances with out the defendant, enter a plea of not guilty initially, get the reports, review them with the client, look for any technical defenses or mitigating factors, and negotiate with the prosecutor (D.A.) a possible settlement that may reduce or dismiss the charge.
Sometimes with an on line eight hour theft class and some community service, even if there is not a defense, the charges can be negotiated to an infraction and $ 250 fine, no booking, no probation, no jail or additional consequences. Some Courts may even have a diversion program. Even if you feel you are guilty, call Attorneys Nicholas and William Christoph at Christoph Law Offices at 760-941-5720 for a free consultation and let us review your case with you. We have over 40 years of combined experience representing theft cases and have been located across from the Vistra Courthouse for over 30 years.
