Shoplifting The Lawyer You Need For The Results You Want

Columbia Shoplifting Attorney

Defending Against Shoplifting Charges in South Carolina

A person who is convicted of shoplifting can be required to pay restitution to the store owner for the cost of the merchandise. A person who is convicted of shoplifting can also be required to pay fines and serve jail time. A conviction for shoplifting can have a negative effect on a person's ability to obtain employment, student loans, and housing. At The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC, our Columbia shoplifting lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and help you fight the charges.

Call The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC today at (803) 770-4483 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our shoplifting lawyer in Columbia.

What is Shoplifting?

Shoplifting is a common criminal offense involving the unlawful taking of merchandise or goods from a store or retail establishment to deprive the owner of their property without paying for it. This offense encompasses a wide range of actions, including:

Concealing merchandise
Altering or removing price tags
Switching labels
Placing unpaid items in bags, pockets, or personal belongings
Exiting the store without paying for concealed items

Shoplifting can be impulsive and often committed without premeditation, but it can have severe legal consequences in South Carolina.

What are the Penalties for Shoplifting in South Carolina?

The penalties for shoplifting in South Carolina can differ depending on the value of the stolen merchandise and whether you have previous convictions for similar offenses. In general, the penalties can be as follows:

Value under $2,000: Shoplifting merchandise valued at less than $2,000 is considered a misdemeanor in South Carolina. Penalties may include fines, community service, probation, and 30 days in jail for first-time offenders.
Value $2,000 or more: Shoplifting items worth $2,000 or more is a felony offense in South Carolina. Felony convictions can result in significant fines, probation, and prison sentences, with penalties increasing based on the value of the stolen items.
Repeat offenders: If you have previous shoplifting convictions, subsequent offenses can lead to more severe penalties, including longer jail or prison sentences.

Defenses Against Shoplifting Charges

Some possible defenses against shoplifting charges may include the following:

Lack of intent: It may be a valid defense if you did not intend to permanently deprive the store of its merchandise.
Mistaken identity: You may have been wrongly identified as the perpetrator, and we can help prove your innocence.
Illegal search and seizure: If evidence was acquired through an unlawful search or seizure, it may be inadmissible in court.
Insufficient evidence: The prosecution needs to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If insufficient evidence supports the charges, we can argue for your acquittal.
Miranda rights violations: If law enforcement failed to properly inform you of your rights, your statements may be inadmissible.

Contact Our Shoplifting Lawyer in Columbia Today

If you face shoplifting charges in South Carolina, don't face the legal system alone. The consequences of a shoplifting conviction can be substantial, affecting your future in numerous ways. Our Columbia shoplifting attorney will fight to protect your rights, explore your defense options, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC, today to get started with our Columbia shoplifting attorney.

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Marion is extremely knowledgeable about the law. Super easy to work with and very professional.

- Lance H.
"Could not have been more pleased with the results!!!"
Mr. Moses and his staff went above and beyond for my case!! He was very honest and upfront from the very beginning. I would recommend him anytime! Could not have been more pleased with the results!!!

- Pat G.
Very friendly & professional, he definitely gets the job done. I definitely recommend & will be using him again for future cases!!

- Shayy G.
He fought diligently on my behalf and was always prepared, knowledgeable, and confident. He did extensive research on my case, which was so evident when we were in court. Not only was I impressed with his knowledge of the law, but also his rigorous/exhaust

- Emily P.
Marion also gave us a very studied opinion using his network of legal contacts on a separate case to keep us from wasting money on what would have turned out to be a losing effort.

- Shelley K.
Marion is an incredible attorney and I would recommend him to anyone.

- Susan H.
I highly recommend Marion to everyone. Everything from the initial consult through the dismissal was excellent. Marion and his staff were great with communication, follow-up, and every aspect of the case.

- Ted B.
Everything involving my situation was broken down to me in complete detail and not once was I left in the dark or did not know what was going on. Even though I don’t look forward to needing a lawyer again, if I do then I know exactly who to call.

- Mitch T.
Marian and Elizabeth were highly motivated, caring, and concerned that the legal needs of my loved ones were handled in a concise, lawful and just manner!

- Trenay D.

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Why Choose The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC?

Attorney Marion M. Moses Works With You Directly from Start to Finish
Committed to Giving Your Case the Genuine, Individualized Attention it Deserves
Former State Prosecutor
Extensive Experience Handling Criminal Cases from Both Sides of the Law
Over 22 Years of Dedicated Legal Experience
Former President of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer (SCACDL)

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