You’re not sure what possessed you at that moment!
In the blink of an eye, you tried on those new workboots you thought you needed at your favorite department store. You even looked around and thought no one saw you. Tucking your old shoes under the rack, you just decided to leave with the new boots on your feet.
What you didn’t notice was the store’s security surveillance cameras. Before you could even get to the front of the store, there was a hand on your elbow and a voice in your ear. “Sir, you need to come with me.”
Your heart sank when turned around and saw store’s assistant manager standing at your side. Fortunately you decided it was better to go quietly than to make a big fuss.
At least your petty crime wasn’t plastered on social media or front page news. No one else saw you slink back to the store’s office to wait for the police to arrive.
You’d never dealt with the law before. However, it wasn’t the officer-on-call’s first trip to that store on that day. Both the store’s manager and the officer who arrived were tired of having to deal with petty theft. So they decided enough was enough!
Even though you tried to explain your situation — out of work for three months, and really needing these workboots for the new job — neither party was in the mood to deal. They were ready to throw those boots straight at your dumb head!
While the story above is purely fiction, you may find yourself in these same “boots”. Even if you’re a first-time shoplifting offender, you’re going to need a good criminal defense attorney.
Here are 3 reasons you should really listen up:
1.) In the state of Missouri, if you receive the maximum penalty for petty theft/shoplifting (under $500), you could lose a year of your life to jail-time. Add a $1000 fine to that pile of misery!
Ever wondered what goes on inside the four walls of a prison? If you’re at all like me, you like the comforts of your own home, your own bed, and most especially your own choice of food. I’m preeetty sure I’d get sick of prison food in no time flat.
What’s a year of your life worth to you? Your job? Your annual income? Your reputation? Gone! No workboots on earth are worth that price. Without a job, how are you going to pay off that fine?
2.) In addition, shops can sue for restitution and damages.
You could receive a “civil demand letter”. In addition to the fines imposed by the court, you would have to pay an additional amount to the store you stole from, above and beyond the price of the item you stole.
3.) If you are a first-time offender, your criminal defense lawyer can work aggressively to get a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS).
What SIS means for you is no permanent criminal record for shoplifting. If theft is on your record, it can hinder you from getting a job, renting an apartment, or even getting federal loans. However, you do have to stay “squeaky clean” and complete your probation period.
Don’t face petty theft charges in court alone!
Not only could you end up with a criminal record and a fine, you could lose months of your life in jail.
If you or a loved one is facing shoplifting or petty theft charges , you need a meticulous, agressive criminal defense attorney defending you in court.
Call The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC today for a free initial consultation. (636)244-3737
http://steimel-law.com/criminal-defense.html
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