![Arrested for Shoplifting Have you been caught shoplifting?](https://elliotsavitz.com/wp-content/uploads/shoplifting-2.jpg)
Have you been caught shoplifting?
In Massachusetts a person accused of Shoplifting is dedined as:
“Any person who intentionally takes possession of, carries away, transfers or causes to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use of benefit of such merchandise or converting the same to the use of such person without paying to the merchant the value thereof…”
Massachusetts Shoplifting Penalties
If you have been caught shoplifting, there can be serious legal consequences, including fines and jail. Also, any criminal conviction on your record can be damaging to your future, including immigration status, school loans and work. The penalties you could be facing depend on the value of the goods and the number of prior offenses. If you are caught shoplifting items valued at less than $100, the penalties for a first offense are up to a $250 fine. That fine doubles to $500 for a second offense and for a third offense you can be imprisoned for up to two years.
If you are convicted of shoplifting items valued at or more than $100, the penalty for a first offense can be as much as 21/2 years in jail and a fine of $1,000. If you are caught shoplifting a second or third time and the value of the good is more than $100, the penalties can be much more serious. Under Massachusetts shoplifting laws, a merchant is also allowed to recover damages resulting from the shoplifting activities. The merchant can actually recover up to $500 or the actual damages or theft that occurred from the alleged criminal act.
What to Do if You are Caught Shoplifting
If you are caught shoplifting, being arrested or summoned to court on a shoplifting charge is a difficult and humiliating experience. However, even with the most complicated cases, a good shoplifting lawyer will make sure you get the minimum penalty possible. Even if you think you are guilty, you deserve a second chance.
Acting on your case quickly is important. The earlier you get a shoplifting attorney on your side, the more legal options you will have available.
If you have been caught shoplifting, you should have an experienced shoplifting attorney, with a winning track record, by your side when you are arraigned or summonsed to court. In that way, you can immediately begin to challenge the facts and circumstances of your case, and make sure that the court does not hold you or set a high bail.
Above all, do not act in your own defense.
You may be asking yourself, why do I need a defense lawyer for a “minor” shoplifting offense.
The answer is simple, really: a good Massachusetts criminal lawyer, who knows the ins and outs of the shoplifting laws in Massachusetts, is critical to protect your rights and your freedom, and your best chance to beat the charges or walk away with a minimal penalty, or no penalty at all.
TESTIMONIALS
“Thank you for representing me in court. Everything worked out for the better. I have been attending all my AA meetings, consulting at Catholic Charities and meeting with my probation officer. I haven’t had a drink since the day I went to court and everything is great at home.”
“Dear Elliot, People are not immune to the ‘fortune’ in their life. The bright side is that someone is out there to save them. You are the person saving my fate. You represent ‘integrity and justice.’ You are the best lawyer on earth.”
“I’m sitting here thinking about what a remarkable victory you pulled off. I just had to let you know that it was an outstanding victory. Well done.”
“I cannot begin to tell you how much I’ve appreciated your most sincere guidance & support. This has been one of the most difficult years we’ve been through with our son. We could not have hoped for a more positive outcome.”
“I really wanted to thank you so much. I cannot thank you enough. You were always there to fulfill whatever was required by the court.”
“Dear Mr Savitz, Thank you so much for all your hard work, as well as your persistence on my case. I really appreciate your sensitivity in dealing with me on this matter. I feel good about the outcome of my case and am grateful to you for resolving it quickly.”
“Dear Elliot, Just a short note filled with heartfelt thanks for your help and support in my defense during my court appearance. I can’t begin to express how grateful I am knowing this foolish incident and its aftermath is finally over. Thank again, so very much.”
“I wanted to thank you again. I’m at the end of my probation period. I could not have done it without you. You were such a great support. I just want to let you know I appreciated everything you did.”
“We were absolutely astonished and very grateful for how Elliot handled our son’s case and would highly recommend him to anyone who is in need of legal council!”
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If you are facing criminal charges, call The Law Offices of Elliot Savitz & Scott Bradley, at (781) 974-3429.
We are available 24/7 and can assess your criminal charges over the phone to quickly determine your best course of action. Then, our law office will represent you in court as we fight together against your charges.
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