Shoplifting charges are serious. Even if you avoid jail time, a shoplifting conviction can make it difficult or impossible to find a good job. Most major retailers have sophisticated video systems. Over 75% of my shoplifting clients were caught on video.
As an experienced McDonough shoplifting lawyer, David Abbott uses Henry County laws to help first-time shoplifters avoid a conviction even if there is strong evidence of guilt. The Henry County State Court and the City Court of Stockbridge have excellent Pretrial Intervention Programs (“PTI”). These programs are a superior alternative to first offender probation. If you successfully complete PTI:
Conversely, first offender probation creates a permanent record of your case. Even if you successfully complete first offender probation, it is difficult to get the court records sealed. Furthermore, experienced McDonough shoplifting lawyer, David Abbot, knows first offender probation involves either a guilty verdict at trial or a guilty plea, both of which damage your job prospects.
I have a proven track record of getting clients into PTI and helping them complete it. If your case is in a court that does not have PTI, I may be able to get it transferred to one that does.
In repeat shoplifting cases, the prosecution often seeks significant jail time. Under Georgia law, a fourth shoplifting conviction is a felony that carries a mandatory, minimum sentence of one year in prison. Two approaches are possible. First, it is sometimes possible to beat a case at trial. As an experienced McDonough shoplifting lawyer, I have defended many of my clients’ theft misdemeanor charges and won. Second, if there is clear evidence of guilt, an aggressive program of rehabilitation can reduce the sentence the judge imposes. The key is to review the evidence early in the process and determine what your odds are at trial. Whether a trial or rehabilitation is appropriate is a difficult decision which depends upon 1) the quality of the state’s evidence 2) the plea offer the prosecution makes and 3) the sentence the judge would impose after a conviction at trial. As a McDonough shoplifting lawyer, I have handled dozens of theft cases in Henry County and know the behavior of the prosecutors, jurors and judges. This knowledge will help you make good choices and get on with your life with the fewest possible consequences. Contact the Abbott Law Firm for more expertise from a knowledgeable McDonough shoplifting lawyer, as well as additional information on other theft charges and misdemeanors.
Criminal defense matters are time sensitive, and they are not to be taken lightly. While it is helpful to read the information you'll find here, and elsewhere on the internet, there is no substitution to speaking with a professional attorney about the specifics of your case.
A consultation with The Abbott Law Firm is completely free, and will give you an opportunity to speak with an experienced professional who knows not only the law, but more importantly, the law as it is enforced in Henry County.
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