Columbia County GA Shoplifting criminal attorneys - warrantless searches

Columbia County GA Shoplifting criminal attorneys - warrantless searches

Dealing with Shoplifting offenses in Evans Georgia

Under most state shoplifting laws, a business owner or employee has the legal right to detain a suspect if there is probable cause . Probable cause is defined under shoplifting laws as having direct knowledge of an offenders approach, selection, concealment, movement, and/or modification of an item, and his/her failure to pay before attempting to leave the premises. If an individual is caught shoplifting, they will be required to return the articles, will be prevented from returning to the shop for a period of time, and can be prosecuted through shoplifting laws.

Shoplifting is treated a misdemeanor petty theft if the value of the stolen articles is less than $300 to $500. In some cases, first time offenders may be charged with a less grave crime such as disorderly conduct so as not to face the consequences imposed by shoplifting laws.

When a perpetrator has a rap sheet of shoplifting or the value of the stolen goods exceeds $500, shoplifting laws generally yield heavier penalties and an accused could be charged with grand theft or larceny, both of which are felony offenses. Under shoplifting laws, an individual who is convicted of this crime can receive a sentence that includes jail term, punitive fines, community service, and/or other penalties.

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Augusta GA DUI Lawyer - Evans GA Criminal Defense Attorney - Richmond County GA DUI

The Augusta Legal Center of Hawk and Detchemendy - DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys - (706) 722-3500 - www.augusta-ga-dui.com

Attorneys Vic Hawk, Melissa Detchemendy, and Reid Sanders defend DUI cases and criminal cases in Georgia.