Liberty County Georgia Shoplifting criminal law attorneys - search without a warrant

Liberty County Georgia Shoplifting criminal law attorneys - search without a warrant

Defending Shoplifting allegations in Savannah GA

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 prior to attempting to exit the store. When someone is caught shoplifting, he/she will be required to return the articles, will be prevented from returning to the store for a period of time, and can be prosecuted through shoplifting laws.

Shoplifting is considered a misdemeanor petty theft if the value of the stolen items totals less than $300 to $500. In certain instances, first time offenders may be charged with a less grave crime like as disorderly conduct so as not to face the consequences imposed by shoplifting laws.

If an accused has a background of shoplifting or the value of the stolen goods is more than $500, shoplifting laws generally yield tougher consequences and an accused can be charged with grand theft or larceny, both of which are felony crimes. Under shoplifting laws, an individual convicted of shoplifting may receive a sentence that includes prison time, punitive fines, community service, and/or other penalties.

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Savannah GA DUI Lawyer - Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney