If you have been arrested and charged with shoplifting, you should not try to face the legal system on your own. No matter what, you should hire an experienced lawyer to help you navigate the criminal justice system.
Shoplifting is not always a minor charge. If the value of the goods was more than a certain amount, the charges could be more than petty theft. You may even be facing jail time. You may be in a more difficult legal position than you think.
A Conviction Means a Criminal Record
Even if the charge seems minor to you, it could result in a criminal record. Your history can dictate your future, as a conviction could show up on background checks, holding you back from what you want to achieve. If you are convicted of something else in the future, your sentence could be even greater.
In addition, you may be able to defend against the charges. Even crimes that seem to be minor do not result in automatic convictions, especially when the prosecutor does not have the evidence. You could take the case to trial. Alternatively, your lawyer could negotiate a plea deal that has a minimum penalty for you.
When you are trying to handle your own case, you may not even know what you are facing. All you can see is the next few days. You may want to try to make the charges go away no matter what. Regardless of your thought process, you are putting yourself in a position of weakness.
Contact a Marin County Criminal Defense Lawyer
The Mason Law Offices should be your first call when you need legal help after an arrest. Contact us online or call us at 833.774.0602 to schedule your initial consultation. You do not have to go through this alone.
