Shoplifting Lawyer in Hatboro, PA

Being arrested for shoplifting can be a frightening experience, whether this is your first arrest or your second or third. No matter what your situation is, our Hatboro shoplifting lawyer can defend you: David McKenzie was once a criminal prosecutor and so has unique insight into how the legal system works.

At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we measure our success by your success. That means our Hatboro criminal defense attorney  puts client satisfaction first while figuring out the right way to handle your case. Call now to find out more through a free consultation.

How to Fight Shoplifting Charges in Hatboro, PA

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless in the face of a shoplifting charge. The police do not even need physical evidence to charge you with theft, and they may try to convince you to do something against your interests, such as confessing before you talk to a lawyer.

Remember: if you are arrested in Pennsylvania, you still have rights. That includes the right to remain silent, to hire an attorney, and to allow our Hatboro shoplifting attorney to take steps like:

• Deciding on a strategy. Depending on your circumstances, our legal team might try to prove you were falsely accused, that the prosecution’s evidence is unconvincing, or that the prosecution’s evidence was collected illegally.
• Building a casefile. We can use evidence like witness testimony, surveillance footage, receipts, and character witnesses to support your defense.
• Negotiating a plea deal. Sometimes, the prosecution is open to reducing the charges if you agree to plead guilty. Our Hatboro attorney might explore this option in your case. We might also be able to get the charges reduced or even dismissed without your having to enter a particular plea.
• Bringing your case to trial. Going to trial means allowing a jury to hear evidence from both sides and determine if the prosecution’s case is strong enough to convict you. Our defense law firm can work to undermine the prosecution’s case so you can go home.

Want to know more about our services and how they can help you get your life back? Call McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., today.

Is Shoplifting a Felony or a Misdemeanor in Hatboro?

That depends on what you allegedly stole and how much it is worth. Under 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 3929:

• You will be charged with a summary offense, the lowest possible charge, if this is your first offense and “the value of the merchandise is less than $150.”
• The charge increases to a misdemeanor as the value of the merchandise increases and/or if you have been convicted of shoplifting before.
• You will be charged with a felony if this is your third or subsequent offense, if the value of the merchandise exceeds $1000, or if you are accused of stealing a motor vehicle or a gun.

What kind of charges you face could determine which Montgomery County court your case will be heard in.

In addition, your case might be more complex if you face multiple charges simultaneously. For example, if you are accused of assaulting the police officer who tried to arrest you on shoplifting charges, you will face two different kinds of charges, each of which will require its own defense and set of evidence.

McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can take on the most challenging of cases, as well as more straightforward cases. Even if you are not sure about your options or how we can help, our defense attorney encourages you to speak with us and get answers before you make a decision that could affect the rest of your life.

Our Hatboro Retail Theft Attorney Does Not Want You to Face a Conviction

Being convicted of shoplifting could upend your life because:

• The court might compel you to pay fines, fees, and restitution, which could affect your family’s financial position.
• You might have to spend time behind bars, which would disrupt your personal life and pull you away from work or school. Even after you serve your time, your old employer might not want you back.
• Your reputation within your community could be adversely affected. People you are close to might agree with the jury verdict that you are guilty and stop wanting to spend time with you.
• Arrests and convictions both go on your permanent record. While it is possible to expunge certain nonviolent crimes after a period of time, you would have to live with that record until that time period ends. Anyone who runs a background check on you would be able to see your record and hold it against you.

None of these outcomes is inevitable. No matter what the police say, you have the right to mount a defense against any and all criminal charges. McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can build that defense and protect you against any attempts to infringe on your rights.

Warning Signs That the Pennsylvania Legal System Is Violating Your Rights

If you encounter any of the following, please tell us immediately:

• You are told that you do not need a lawyer.
• You are told that the police already have enough evidence to convict you, and that things will be easier for you if you confess now.
• The police failed to inform you of your Miranda rights during your arrest.
• The police searched your car or your home without showing you a warrant.

These actions all violate your rights. Our Hatboro attorney can make sure you are treated justly throughout your case.

Let Our Hatboro Shoplifting Lawyer Defend You

McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can fight hard to get your charges reduced or dismissed so you can get back to your regular life. Call now for a free consultation about the services our shoplifting lawyer in Hatboro offers. Once you hire us, you will always have access to your attorney, so you do not have to face any aspect of the legal process alone.