3 Defenses A Criminal Defense Lawyer Will Use To Get Your Shoplifting Charges Dismissed

Shoplifting is a serious crime that can carry severe consequences. It entails stealing property or merchandise from a store. Shoplifting charges can impact your future and may subject you to jail time or fines. If you're innocent, contact a criminal defense lawyer. They'll use several defenses to get your shoplifting charges dismissed. In this article, you'll learn about three defenses.

Lack of Intent

Intent must be established for your shoplifting charges to be proven. Without it, the prosecution may have difficulty proving that you illegally and knowingly removed items from the store. A criminal defense lawyer can demonstrate that you did not intend to steal items from a store through several ways. For example, they may claim that you were planning to pay for the items but simply forgot to do so in the confusion of leaving the store. They may also argue that you were holding the items for only a brief period and had no intention of stealing them or that you never had physical control or possessions of the items and, therefore, it was impossible to steal them.

Mistake of Fact

This defense can be used if you believe you had permission from the store owner to take an item without paying for it. A store owner may have told you to take an item for free before changing their mind. In such a situation, a criminal defense lawyer can use the mistake of fact defense. To prove that you didn't intend to steal the item, they'll show that you had a reasonable belief that you were allowed to take it. They may also provide evidence, such as a receipt or a witness statement, to support your case.

Entrapment

You may be unlawfully induced to commit a shoplifting crime that you wouldn't usually commit. This may occur if you're entrapped by a police officer or law enforcement official. A criminal defense lawyer can argue that you were entrapped and produce evidence such as surveillance footage or recordings. This defense often relies on whether or not you had the predisposition to commit the offense, and a lawyer will provide evidence showing how you couldn't have executed it without coercion.

Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is essential if you're facing shoplifting charges. They know how best to defend you against these charges and get them dismissed. Reach out to a criminal defense lawyer in your area for more information. 

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