Shoplifting might sound like a minor offense. However, it carries serious consequences in South Carolina. In fact, one honest mistake can land you in serious legal trouble. Shoplifting can involve changing prices, switching packaging, or simply intending to steal, even if you never leave the store.
The penalties can range from hefty fines to jail time. A misdemeanor can follow you for the rest of your life. A felony charge can change your future forever. Additionally, you could have trouble finding a job, lose trust, or carry the weight of a criminal record.
If you are in Aiken, South Carolina, and need a law firm that truly has your back, look no further than Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, and Staggs (JJWLS). Are you facing shoplifting charges? We will fight for you with skill and unwavering commitment.
We take the time to understand your situation and work relentlessly to protect your future. Are you feeling stuck? Do not wait. Give our criminal defense lawyers a call at (803) 649-5338 and let us help you take control of your case.
What is Shoplifting Under South Carolina Law?
Shoplifting happens when someone takes items without paying, alters prices or switches packaging to pay less, or hides merchandise with the intent to steal it.
You do not even need to leave the store to be accused of shoplifting. If, for example, you stuff something in your bag or pocket and security catches you, you could be charged with shoplifting.
Penalties for Shoplifting in South Carolina
Shoplifting might seem minor. However, the shoplifting laws in South Carolina take it seriously. Penalties depend on the value of the items involved.
Misdemeanor Shoplifting
If the goods are worth less than $2,000, you are looking at a misdemeanor. What does that mean?
You could face:
- Fines.
- Up to 30 days in jail.
- Or both.
So, a small offense can land you behind bars and leave you with a criminal record.
Felony Shoplifting
If the goods are worth more than $2,000, the charge becomes a felony. You could face:
- Up to 10 years in prison, depending on the amount and details.
Ten years is enough to change your entire life. A felony conviction does not just mean jail time. It follows you everywhere.
Additional Consequences
Beyond the legal penalties, shoplifting can lead to additional consequences. Retailers often pursue civil fines. Therefore, you could be on the hook for extra money, even after you pay the court’s penalties.
In addition, employers might pass you over for jobs. Having a criminal record could haunt you for the rest of your life.
Common Defenses Against Shoplifting Charges
A shoplifting charge does not mean you are guilty. Mistakes can happen, and there are ways to fight back.
However, you need to know what defenses might apply to your case.
Lack of Intent
Shoplifting requires intent. If you did not mean to steal, that is a valid defense. For example, you might have accidentally slipped an item into your bag while distracted or you left the store without paying because you forgot it was there. These things happen.
Mistaken Identity
Sometimes, people get accused unfairly. For instance, a store clerk or security saw the wrong person or someone else committed the theft and left you to take the blame. Remember, surveillance footage is not always clear. And witness accounts are not perfect.
Insufficient Evidence
The store has to prove you stole or intended to steal something. That is not always easy. Was the video footage blurry? Did a witness get their facts wrong? Any doubts about the evidence can work in your favor.
Unlawful Search or Detention
Security guards and store employees do not have unlimited power. That is why they cannot just search your bag without cause or even detain you indefinitely. If they violated your rights during the process, that can weaken their case.
Juvenile Shoplifting Cases
Shoplifting does not just affect adults. Minors in South Carolina can get charged with shoplifting too. However, the rules are a bit different.
How Shoplifting Laws Apply to Minors
If a minor in Aiken, SC gets caught shoplifting, the legal system takes a different approach. The goal is not to punish the minor. The goal is to teach and correct. Juveniles still face consequences. But the focus is on rehabilitation.
For instance, instead of jail time, a minor might attend counseling, do community service, or go through a diversion program. These programs help young people avoid having a criminal record follow them into adulthood.
Juvenile Diversion Programs
Diversion programs are designed to give minors a second chance. If, for example, a teenager shoplifts a shirt on a dare, the court does not charge them and ruin their future. Instead, the court offers an alternative, such as counseling sessions, a class on decision-making, or community service hours.
Once the minor completes the program, the charge often disappears. It is a chance for the minor to learn and grow. Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable Aiken juvenile criminal defense lawyer can make the difference in your child’s life and their future.
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Shoplifting Cases
If you are facing shoplifting charges in Aiken, you might wonder: Do I really need a lawyer? The short answer? Yes.
A criminal defense lawyer is not just there to hold your hand. They are your advocate. They protect your rights. And they know how to challenge evidence and negotiate reduced charges. In fact, if you do not have strong legal representation, you might end up taking a plea deal you do not deserve. Or worse, you could face harsher penalties.
How an Attorney Can Help
A lawyer can help build a strong defense, challenge evidence, and minimize penalties.
So, if the store’s evidence is weak, your lawyer can argue the case should be dismissed. However, if you did make a mistake, but it is your first offense, your lawyer might negotiate for a lesser charge, such as probation or a diversion program.
Remember, attorneys know the system. They know the judges, the prosecutors, and the strategies that work. If you have got a skilled criminal defense lawyer, you have got a better chance of a fair outcome.
Steps to Take if You’re Charged With Shoplifting
If you have been accused of shoplifting in Aiken, the moments that follow matter. You need to stay calm and protect yourself. Here are the steps to take if you are charged with shoplifting:
Remain Calm
It is natural to panic. However, losing your cool can make things worse. If store security approaches you, you need to stay calm. Do not argue. Do not run. Stay as calm as you can.
Do Not Admit Guilt
This is critical. You may feel tempted to explain yourself. You might even try to say you did not mean to do it or say it was an accident. However, your words can be twisted into an admission of guilt. Do not say anything beyond what is necessary.
If the police get involved, remember you have the right to remain silent. Use it.
Seek Legal Counsel
Once you are able to, you need to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not wait. The sooner you have a criminal defense lawyer, the sooner they can start building your defense. Your lawyer will advise you on what to say and not to say, investigate the evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome for your case.
Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Aiken, SC? Contact JJWLS Today
Shoplifting charges in South Carolina are serious charges. They can feel overwhelming, unfair, or even life-changing. Thankfully, there is a way forward. South Carolina’s laws might be strict. However, there are defenses to fight a shoplifting charge. And with the right legal help, you can protect your future and minimize the damage.
So, if you are facing shoplifting charges, you need to stay calm. Do not admit guilt. Do not argue. And do not lose hope. A shoplifting does not have to define you. It does not have to derail your life. You should contact a skilled attorney who understands how to navigate these cases.
If you are facing a shoplifting charge in Aiken, South Carolina, you need a team that brings experience, strength, and real understanding to the table. That is exactly what we, at Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer & Staggs, deliver every single time. We know how to fight smart and negotiate hard. We will listen, answer your questions, and walk you through every step.
If you need a criminal defense lawyer to defend your rights, protect your future, and fight for the best outcome, call us at (803) 649-5338. We have earned our reputation as one of Aiken’s most trusted law firms.
