It is often assumed by those facing shoplifting charges that these are minor charges that won’t make a difference in the future. This might not be true. Continue reading to learn about four ways that your conviction could affect the rest of your life, then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 to request a free legal consultation.
- You Could Face Criminal Penalties
- A Criminal Record
- School Discipline
- Professional Discipline
First and foremost, you could be facing serious criminal penalties. Just how serious they are will depend on the value of what you have taken and whether or not you have a criminal history. If you took an item that was worth less than $50 then you are likely to get an infraction that has a penalty of no more than $250.
On the other hand, if you took something that was valued between $50 and $950, you will likely be charged with misdemeanor petty theft and this could mean as long as six months in jail and fines of as much as $1,000. If the item you stole is worth more than $950, or the item was a firearm, you could be charged with grand theft, which can be a felony.
If you are convicted of any theft crime, you will have a conviction on your record. You might think that a misdemeanor charge for petty theft is not a big deal, but it could prevent you from getting a job, finding a place to live, or even being approved for various state licenses. You will also have this conviction on your record in the event you commit another crime. This could mean much harsher punishment for that future crime.
If you are in school, you could face discipline from your school. If you were shoplifting at your school bookstore, then this is very likely. However, even if you shoplifted nowhere near your school, if it has a “code of conduct” that involves theft crimes, you could end up facing a disciplinary committee that could suspend or even expel you.
If you are a nurse, dentist, pharmacist, or otherwise work in medicine, then a conviction for shoplifting could result in you being brought up for professional discipline – and this is just on field. Teachers, attorneys, and other professionals might have repercussions for a guilty verdict for shoplifting. A record could also prevent anyone from getting a job in the future.
To prevent these situations, you need a criminal defense attorney who understands your options. You can contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell now at (949) 585-9055 to request a free legal consultation.