Shoplifting in Florida

Can You get a Citation for Shoplifting?

In Florida, the penalties for shoplifting can be significant, depending on the circumstances of the offense.

For first-time offenders, shoplifting may result in a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $500, as well as the possibility of community service or probation. Repeat offenders may face more serious penalties, such as larger fines, longer probation periods, and even jail time. Additionally, those convicted of shoplifting may be required to pay restitution to the store from which they stole the merchandise. In some cases, shoplifting tickets or citations for shoplifting may be issued instead of formal criminal charges, but even these citations can result in significant financial penalties and other consequences.

Why do People Shoplift?

People end up in trouble for shoplifting for a variety of reasons. Sometimes someone accidentally walks out of a store holding onto a piece of merchandise that they forgot to put back. Other times, a child places an item in a bag or purse, and their parent or relative unknowingly walks out of the store with it.

Other times, someone has fallen on difficult and hard financial times. They have lost their job, are unemployed and there are no good job prospects on the horizon. They are desperate and trying to feed themselves or their family. Feeling the pressure to provide food for their family and particularly their young children, they resort to shoplifting groceries, toys or other essential items they think they need to survive.

Many of these people feel badly about stealing and intend to pay the money back to their victims just as soon as they get back on their feet, but unfortunately have reached a point where they do not see another current alternative for survival. Other people who are not in their situation, can’t understand or don’t understand – and hopefully, for their sake, they’ll never have to understand – being in a situation where shoplifting seems like the only answer. Regardless, stealing is against the law.

Our attorneys know the best defenses to criminal charges for misdemeanor shoplifting (retail theft), petit theft, and petit larceny.

Desperation can cause good people to do things they wouldn’t normally do. Desperation can cause people to commit crimes like shoplifting. Desperation does not make stealing right, and it’s not a valid legal defense, but it does sometimes help explain why someone resorts to shoplifting, and can potentially affect the criminal punishment imposed.  

Other shoplifters have plenty of money and steal for the thrill of seeing if they can get away with stealing, or they steal on a dare due to peer pressure. Some shoplifters are kleptomaniacs and steal because of an incurable medical condition that causes them to feel uncontrollably compelled to steal.

Good people make mistakes all of the time. Unfortunately, the criminal justice system does not necessarily look at your lifetime resume of good deeds when deciding whether you broke the law and how you will be punished – even though mitigating factors are sometimes considered when it comes to sentencing. Florida Ticket Firm’s shoplifting lawyers know the best defenses to criminal charges for misdemeanor shoplifting (retail theft), petit theft and petit larceny, and they can improve your odds of the most favorable outcome with respect to your criminal charges for stealing.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting or charged with petit theft in Florida, call Florida Ticket Firm today at (813) 565-3353 for an initial free consultation.