Columbus GA Shoplifting criminal law lawyers - search without a warrant

Columbus GA Shoplifting criminal law lawyers - search without a warrant

Defending Shoplifting crimes in Muscogee County Georgia

According to most state shoplifting laws, a business owner or employee may detain a suspect if there is probable cause . Probable cause under shoplifting laws means 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 shop. When a person is caught shoplifting, he/she will be required to return the items, will be prevented from returning to the store for a period of time, and may be prosecuted through shoplifting laws.

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

If a perpetrator has a record of shoplifting or the value of the stolen goods exceeds $500, shoplifting laws often yield more serious penalties and an accused can be charged with grand theft or larceny, both of which are felony crimes. Under shoplifting laws, a person convicted of this crime may receive a sentence that includes jail time, punitive fines, community service, and/or other penalties.

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