Shoplifting is a criminal charge that results when a person is accused of stealing or attempting to steal from a store. The offense often happens when a person walks out of a store without paying for an item. Shoplifting also includes changing a price tag to get a lower price, leaving a restaurant without paying a bill, or eating food in a grocery store without paying for it. Whatever the reason, the first thing to do if you have been arrested for shoplifting is to hire an attorney or enlist the help of another legal professional.
The severity of a shoplifting charge largely depends on the total value of the stolen goods and whether there is a prior record, especially for shoplifting. Typically, shoplifting is a lower-level criminal charge, but it can carry serious consequences. Try to find an attorney who will fight to get the charge dismissed or reduced. A criminal record that includes shoplifting might limit your options for obtaining employment, credit, or a college education.
If you are arrested, you'll want to try to get the charge dismissed. Pleading guilty to a shoplifting charge can place the conviction on your permanent criminal record. If a dismissal is not an option, your attorney might attempt to get the shoplifting charge reduced to a lesser charge. Be prepared to pay any related court fines and attorney’s fees, and some stores might also require restitution for the stolen items.
Age is another factor. Young people might receive a warning or a reduced sentence if they have no prior shoplifting record. On the other hand, a youth might be required to perform community service or attend a rehabilitation program, such as a boot camp. In some cases, shoplifting arrest records for those under the age of 18 might be sealed, meaning that members of the general public will not be able to access the record. That way, the charge does not have a lifelong impact by creating a criminal record.
You might want to consider counseling if you are arrested for shoplifting. In some cases, shoplifting begins as a bad habit and grows into an addiction or compulsion. If shoplifting is an ongoing or longstanding problem, professional counseling could help. A professional counselor can help uncover the reasons why you are stealing, including if you're doing it because of boredom, depression, or just to try to get away with it.
Other options include Internet-based support or counseling groups designed for shoplifters. Be sure to understand the confidentiality of any information obtained by group counseling or Internet-based counseling. Also check whether the counseling is performed by professional counselors or volunteers. A benefit of seeking some form of counseling is that it can help deter you from shoplifting again.