Athens GA Shoplifting defense lawyers – law on search and seizure
Dealing with Shoplifting allegations in Madison County GA
As per 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 prior to attempting to leave the premises. When someone is caught shoplifting, he/she will be required to return the items, will be stopped from returning to the shop for a period of time, and may be prosecuted under shoplifting laws.
Shoplifting is treated a misdemeanor petty theft when the value of the stolen goods is less than $300 to $500. In some cases, first time offenders can be charged with a less serious crime such as disorderly conduct so as not to face the consequences imposed by shoplifting laws.
When a perpetrator has a background of shoplifting or the value of the stolen goods is more than $500, shoplifting laws generally result in more serious consequences and a defendant could be charged with grand theft or larceny, both of which are felony crimes. Under shoplifting laws, a person convicted of shoplifting can receive a sentence that includes jail time, punitive fines, community service, and/or other penalties.
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Athens GA DUI Lawyer – Athens Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney
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