how much does an attorney cost for shoplifting

Should I hire an attorney for a shoplifting charge?

Having an attorney handle a guilty plea and diversion program application for shoplifting charges runs about $1,000-$3,000, depending on location and how much negotiation is required. Attorney fees for going to trial can be $5,000-$10,000 or more, depending on the nature of the charges and the complexity of the case. Exact costs will vary based on location and the lawyer's experience …

What is the real cost of shoplifting?

Feb 28, 2022 · Typical costs: Having an attorney handle a guilty plea and diversion program application for shoplifting charges runs about $1,000-$3,000, depending on location and how much negotiation is required.; Attorney fees for going to trial can be $5,000-$10,000 or more, depending on the nature of the charges and the complexity of the case.Exact costs will vary …

What happens if you get caught shoplifting under $500?

Oct 25, 2011 · Shoplifting is called Retail Fraud. There are different degrees of Retail Fraud, with 3rd degree being the lowest. To participate in discovery, Pre-Trial and negotiate a plea and sentence, a fee in the range of $950 to $1500 is common. If charged with Retail Fraud 2nd or 1st, the fees increase.

Are shoplifters amateurs or professionals?

Under the California Penal Code 459.5, a Misdemeanor conviction for Shoplifting carries a maximum penalty of up to six months in county jail and up to a $1000.00 fine. A Felony conviction for Shoplifting carries a maximum penalty of up to three years in state prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. If convicted of a Misdemeanor charge of Shoplifting, then a judge may order …

Why do people plead guilty to shoplifting?

Many people charged with Shoplifting plead guilty because it’s cheaper than hiring an attorney. However, the long-term consequences of a guilty plea can cost you a lot more than what the attorney charges to represent you. Having a conviction for Shoplifting on your criminal record can prevent you from being hired for a job, renting an apartment, ...

What happens if you get caught shoplifting?

If you get caught shoplifting items worth less than $500, that’s considered misdemeanor stealing. The police officer might arrest you, or they might just issue a ticket for Shoplifting and let you go. You can go to court and represent yourself (not recommended) or you can hire an attorney to represent you. In many cases, your attorney can get your ...

How much jail time can you get for theft?

There is no jail time for Stealing Under $150, but the judge can sentence you to pay a maximum fine of $500, and you will end up with a shoplifting conviction on your criminal record.

Can you go to court for shoplifting?

You can go to court and represent yourself (not recommended) or you can hire an attorney to represent you. In many cases, your attorney can get your Shoplifting ticket dismissed or reduced to a less serious offense with no jail time or court appearance required. The outcome of your case depends on many factors, such as:

Can a store sue a shoplifter in Missouri?

Missouri law allows stores to sue shoplifters in civil court for up to $250 to reimburse the store for their expenses. However, most stores don’t sue shoplifters because the cost of suing is much higher than the amount the store could win in court. PLEASE NOTE: You don’t owe the store anything unless they successfully sue you in civil court ...

Can you get a misdemeanor expunged in Missouri?

Starting January 1, 2018, Missouri’s new expungement law will allow people to petition the court for expungement (removal) of many misdemeanor convictions that previously were not allowed to be expunged. Unfortunately, Shoplifting/Stealing convictions will still not be eligible for expungement under Missouri’s new expungement law.