Very Experienced Shoplifting Attorneys in Fort Mill, Rock Hill & Greenville, SC
If you have been arrested or charged with shoplifting in Fort Mill & Greenville, South Carolina, you may be surprised by the severity of the penalties you may face if convicted.
At the David Martin Law Group, our Fort Mill & Greenville shoplifting lawyers provide the experience our clients need to pursue the best outcome for their unique case, which could mean a dismissal or lesser charges, so you can move forward and put this legal matter behind you.
What is Considered Shoplifting in Fort Mill, Rock Hill & Greenville South Carolina?
In Fort Mill & Greenville, South Carolina, shoplifting is the result of when a person takes, alters, or transfers merchandise with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use, or the benefit of the merchandise without paying the full retail value.
- Takes the merchandise by carrying it away or transfer it from one person to another – or even from one area of the store to another.
- Alters, removes, or transfers any label, price tag, or marking that determines the value affixed to any merchandise.
- Transfers any merchandise from the container in which it is displayed to any other container.
If you have been charged with shoplifting in Fort Mill & Greenville, the lawyers must prove that you had a specific aim to shoplift, and mentally planned the goal of depriving the store of its merchandise without paying the full retail value.
What are the Penalties for Shoplifting in Fort Mill, Rock Hill & Greenville, South Carolina?
The penalties for shoplifting in South Carolina are determined by the value of the items in question, with the higher the value leading to more severe legal penalties.
Total Merchandise Value < $2000: Misdemeanor Charge
Conviction penalties can include:
- Fine: Up to $1,000
- Jail time: Up to 30 days
Total Merchandise Value Between $2000 and $10,000: Felony Charge
Conviction penalties can include:
- Fine: Up to $1,000
- Jail time: Up to five years
Total Merchandise Value > $10,000: Felony Charge
Conviction penalties can include:
- Fine: Up to $1,000
- Jail time: Up to ten years
If the court finds that two or more people acted in unison while shoplifting, could solicit a conspiracy charge, which is accompanied by a much harsher penalty.
Additionally, South Carolina has an enhancement penalty for repeated property crimes. If you have previous shoplifting or other property crime convictions on your record, you could be subject to this enhanced sentence. If you are charged under the property crime enhancement then you could be subject to felony charges that carry up to ten years in prison, even when the value of the items taken is in the Less than $2,000.00 range.
What are the Additional Consequences of Shoplifting Charges in Fort Mill, Rock Hill & Greenville, SC?
Partnering with an experienced shoplifting attorney in Fort Mill & Greenville will allow you to lessen the additional consequences that accompany these charges, so you do not have to carry this matter with you longer than necessary.
Other consequences from a shoplifting conviction in South Carolina can include:
- College scholarship and student loan ineligibility
- Loss of employment, professional licenses, and business opportunities
- Inability to pass a criminal background check
- Ineligible for public housing or other programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Some retailers transfer stolen merchandise cases even those where the person was allegedly caught in the act — to collection agencies to pursue the value of the attempted theft.
Others bar accused and convicted shoplifters of returning to their stores or being presented with the possibility of facing trespassing charges for returning.
Our shoplifting attorneys in Fort Mill & Greenville will review your complete case, including the evidence the solicitor’s office has to present, during a consultation, so you can make an informed decision regarding your legal representation.
How Can the David W. Martin Law Group Help Defend My Shoplifting Charge in Fort Mill, Greenville & Rock Hill, SC?
The increased availability of in-store surveillance systems has helped many retailers provide the solicitor’s office with the evidence they need to prosecute shoplifters, which is why it is imperative to partner with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Greenville even if this is your first offense.
Shoplifting charges the solicitor’s office with the burden of proof, which requires proving the specific intent to shoplift.
As your Fort Mill & Greenville shoplifting attorneys, we will review the complete circumstances of your arrest and/or charges and evaluate the process in which you were detained to help strengthen your case before your first hearing.
What if I Already Confessed to Store Security That I Was Shoplifting in Fort Mill, Greenville & Rock Hill, SC
Loss prevention personnel or responding law enforcement officials often make the interaction between the authority and the alleged shoplifter as uncomfortable as possible, which can elicit a confession — if only to put this episode behind them without further activity calling attention to the conversation.
If you made self-incriminating statements while being detained inside the retail outlet, or at the police station, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Fort Mill & Greenville about your circumstances, so we can focus on building a unique strategy for your case.
Our Fort Mill & Greenville Criminal Defense Attorneys Fight For Clients Who Have Been Charged With:
- Assault and Battery
- Domestic Violence
- DUI
- DUAC
- Traffic Violations
- Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
- Drug Crimes
- Gun Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor
- Murder or Attempted Murder
Contact Our Serious Shoplifting Lawyer in Fort Mill & Greenville, South Carolina At David W. Martin Law Group For a consultation.
If you or someone in your family has been arrested or charged with shoplifting, contact our Fort Mill criminal defense attorneys today at (803) 548-2468 to discuss your case. So you are not tempted to take a “deal.” Allow our shoplifting attorneys in Fort Mill & Greenville to review your case today, so a shoplifting conviction does not mar your future.
