Shoplifting, also referred to as retail theft, is charged as petty theft under California Penal Code 484 PC and 488 PC, provided the item allegedly stolen was valued at $950 or less. If the item was valued at more than $950, the charge may be the more serious grand theft under Penal Code 487 PC. No matter what you have been charged with, it is important to remember that you have the right to remain silent and the right to contact attorney. You should take advantage of these rights as soon as possible.
Shoplifting Charges in San Jose
When you choose the Law Offices of Valencia, Ippolito & Bowman to defend you against a shoplifting charge, you will benefit from the more than 65 years of combined experience we offer. Our team features former criminal prosecutors, meaning we know how our opponents handle these cases. We use our knowledge to protect you and your reputation.
Our law firm has won numerous awards, including being named Criminal Defense Firm of the Year by San Jose Magazine.
The Importance of Your Right to Remain Silent
We have seen a disturbing trend in shoplifting cases. The police officer involved may try to get the accused to admit that he or she went into the store with the intention of stealing. While this may not seem like a major issue, it is enough for the police to inflate a petty theft charge to a charge of commercial burglary, which is a felony. Furthermore, such an admission can have a serious negative impact on the case as a whole.
No matter what has happened, no matter what you have said, we can help you. Our goal is to get you through this with minimal impact. In many cases, that means negotiating the charge down to something on the level of an infraction, which is the equivalent of a traffic ticket.
Free Consultation With a San Jose Shoplifting Defense Attorney
When you need the help of a San Jose shoplifting defense lawyer, call our law firm at 877-7NO-JAIL or send us an e-mail. We offer payment plans, credit card payments and evening or weekend consultations. Se habla español.
