DeSoto County Shoplifting Attorneys

Have You Been Accused of Shoplifting in DeSoto County?

DeSoto County is one of the counties in the state of Mississippi. It is located in the southeastern part of the state. It is the second-least-populous county in the state. In 2017, there were only 18,000 residents in the county. The county seat is located in Hernando. The county is named after Spanish explorer Juan Pardo, who discovered the area in 1540.

The county is home to a couple of cities, including Hernando, which is the largest city and the county seat. Other cities in the county include Bay Springs, Benton, and Como. The largest employer in the county is the DeSoto County School District. The county's economy is largely based on agriculture, including cotton, soybeans, and cattle. The county is also home to a couple of small industrial parks.

If you have been accused of shoplifting in DeSoto County, you need to contact a DeSoto County shoplifting lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Hayes Law Firm online or call us at (662) 503-8409 for a free initial consultation.

What Is Shoplifting?

Shoplifting is the act of stealing from a retail establishment. Typically, the stolen item is of small value, making the crime a misdemeanor. However, if the value of the stolen item is more than $500, the crime is a felony. Additionally, there are certain aggravating circumstances that can elevate a misdemeanor to a felony.

Shoplifting can include the following crimes:

• Unauthorized taking of property of a retail establishment with the intent to deprive the owner of possession of the property.
• Unauthorized taking of property of a retail establishment with the intent to deprive the owner of the property by means of a trick or artifice.
• Unauthorized taking of property of a retail establishment from a person who is lawfully in possession of the property.

Retailers are well aware of the fact that shoplifting is a common occurrence. As a result, they have a variety of policies in place to deter shoplifting and protect themselves from liability. These policies can include the use of security cameras, undercover employees, and detention policies.

What Are the Penalties for Shoplifting in MS?

The penalties for shoplifting in Mississippi depend on the value of the property stolen. If the value of the property stolen is less than $250, the crime is a misdemeanor. The penalties for a misdemeanor can include up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. If the value of the property stolen is $250 or more, the crime is a felony. The penalties for a felony can include up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Additionally, the court may order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim.

If the defendant has previously been convicted of shoplifting, the penalties will be more severe. The court may order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim. In addition, the court may order the defendant to pay a fine of up to $2,000 or spend up to seven years in prison.

How Does the Prosecutor Prove That I Shoplifted?

The prosecutor must prove that you knowingly and intentionally took property from the store without paying for it. The prosecutor must also prove that you intended to deprive the owner of the property permanently.

The prosecutor will use evidence gathered by the store's security cameras to prove that you took the property and walked out of the store without paying for it. The prosecutor may also use evidence gathered by the police to prove that you intended to deprive the owner of the property permanently.

What Are the Defenses to a Shoplifting Charge?

There are a variety of defenses that can be used to defend against a shoplifting charge. These defenses can include the following:

• You did not take the property.
• The property was abandoned.
• The property was given to you.
• There was no intent to deprive the owner of the property permanently.
• You had a medical condition that caused you to forget that you had the property.

The best defense to a shoplifting charge will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. A DeSoto County shoplifting lawyer can help you explore all of your defense options. A DeSoto County shoplifting lawyer can help you to challenge the evidence against you and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Contact a DeSoto County Shoplifting Attorney

If you have been accused of shoplifting in DeSoto County, you need to contact a DeSoto County shoplifting lawyer as soon as possible. A DeSoto County shoplifting lawyer can help you to explore your defense options and ensure that your rights are protected. Contact Hayes Law Firm online or call us at (662) 503-8409 for a free initial consultation.