Shoplifting Defense Lawyer in San Bernardino

About Shoplifting / Petty Theft

Shoplifting is a criminal offense that is most often a form of petty theft. In San Bernardino, California, a defendant may face shoplifting charges for allegedly taking property or goods from a retail store of any kind. This theft crime is most often committed in a non-violent and clandestine manner. Most of the time, it is charged as a  misdemeanor offense.

Have you been accused of shoplifting or any form of petty theft? Now is the time to talk to a San Bernardino criminal defense attorney about your legal options in challenging your charges. Though the penalties for a shoplifting conviction may seem relatively minor, there are particular circumstances where you may face  felony petty theft charges and when a conviction of this kind may even result in a defendant facing 25 years to life in prison.

When are shoplifting charges more serious?

Shoplifting charges may become more serious in two different ways:

• If the value of goods/property taken was more than $950; or
• If the defendant has one or more prior shoplifting or theft-related convictions on his or her criminal record.

If the properly allegedly taken was valued at more than $950, the defendant may face grand theft charges and increased penalties. If the defendant has prior theft convictions on his or her record, he or she may face  felony petty theft charges regardless of the value of items taken. For a defendant who has two strikes on his or her record for "serious" or " violent" felony convictions, he or she may face 25 to life in prison for a third felony conviction of any kind. That would include a felony shoplifting conviction.

Due to the potentially serious consequences of a shoplifting or petty theft conviction, it is important to exercise your right to legal counsel. Contact a San Bernardino Shoplifting Defense Lawyer at our law offices to find out how we can help you challenge these charges or an investigation if formal charges have not yet been filed.