Florence Shoplifting Lawyer | Shoplifting Charges Attorney

If you are charged with shoplifting in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, you need a skilled, experienced theft attorney. State courts treat shoplifting—theft by unlawful taking—as a serious offense, particularly when there is a prior conviction. A Florence shoplifting lawyer assesses the circumstances, challenges the prosecution’s case, and works to achieve the most favorable resolution based on the facts.

Our attorneys at Busald Funk Zevely have been advocating for clients since 1971. We bring decades of experience to the table and are ready to fight tirelessly on your behalf. We will protect your rights, reputation, and family during this stressful time.

Contact our dedicated theft lawyer today for a free consultation.

Shoplifting Charges

Theft by unlawful taking comes in hundreds of forms. At one end of the spectrum, one could imagine a juvenile lifting a candy bar from the corner store, with a total theft value of $2.00.

On the other end of this spectrum are thefts of immovable property, such as a person’s home or commercial real estate, which could be worth $2,000,000 or more. These high-value thefts can earn a person years of incarceration, probation, thousands of dollars in fines, and restitution.

Thefts Under $500 are Often Class B Misdemeanors

Most shoplifting charges are Class B misdemeanors, thefts of items valued under $500. At first glance, these charges are less serious than a Class A misdemeanor or Class D felony, but they can become much more serious depending on the circumstances.

Some Class B misdemeanor thefts become more serious charges if there are illegal drugs, drug manufacturing, guns, or dangerous chemicals involved. If a person shoplifts twice within a year, the court can combine the charges and classify the offense as a Class A misdemeanor.

The penalties may be very light if the suspect has no criminal history. Then again, the court may decide to nip trouble in the bud or make an example of a person and give them the most severe penalties, which include a fine up to $500 and a 90-day jail sentence for first-time offenders.

Ultimately, defendants never truly know the mood of a judge or jury on a given day, so they should always hire a Florence shoplifting attorney to ensure the best outcome possible.

What to Do When Charged With Shoplifting

People arrested for shoplifting in Florence are taken to jail, booked, and fingerprinted. Depending on the workload that day and the severity of a person’s charges, a detective may try to speak with a defendant immediately.

A Florence shoplifting lawyer will advise any defendant to remain silent and speak to law enforcement only in the presence of counsel. Remaining calm and respectful during an encounter with police is important, but defendants should understand that officers and detectives are legally permitted to use deception during interrogations, and often do so. Interrogators may seek to deceive a suspect by saying something like, “Your partner already confessed to everything. What is your side of the story?”

Consult with an Experienced Florence Shoplifting Attorney For Help With Your Case

If you need an aggressive, experienced Florence shoplifting lawyer, call the professionals at Busald Funk Zevely today. We have over 50 years of experience defending cases like yours. We will work hard to have your charges dropped or reduced and fight tirelessly to protect your freedom and future.