Atlanta Shoplifting Attorney

Criminal Defense for Shoplifting Charges in Atlanta, Georgia

Shoplifting is most likely the most commonly committed type of theft crime throughout the U.S. Most often a form of petty theft, shoplifting involves taking merchandise from a retail establishment. This may be a CD from a music store, or a necklace from a department store in a mall. Shoplifting is most commonly carried out as a non-violent theft crime, meaning the offender uses hidden means to carry out the offense rather than force or a weapon (such as in the case of robbery.)

Have you been accused of or arrested for shoplifting? From the moment you are stopped by store security or find out you are under investigation by law enforcement for suspected shoplifting, you may be in danger of facing criminal charges. It is important that you consider consulting a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Penalties and Criminal Charges for Shoplifting

In Georgia, shoplifting is most often a misdemeanor offense. It is designated a misdemeanor when the value of merchandise involved is less than $300, and may be punishable by a maximum penalty of 12 months in county jail. However, the court may be willing to let a defendant avoid imprisonment depending on the specific case. If the value of property involved is more than $300 or the defendant has three or more prior shoplifting convictions on his or her record, this crime may be charged as a felony, punishable by anywhere from 1 to 10 years in state prison. The same may apply if the defendant is accused of taking property with an overall value of $100 or more from three different stores in the same county, within a 7-day time period.

As a skilled trial attorney, Matthew T. McNally represents clients throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas in Georgia in the face of their shoplifting charges. For a consultation regarding your charges, please contact Atlanta shoplifting defense lawyer Matt McNally today.