Columbus Shoplifting Attorney
Vigorous Defense for Those Accused of Shoplifting
While shoplifting is considered a misdemeanor and may seem to be a minor crime, it can yet have severe consequences for anyone convicted of that crime. Having a theft crime conviction on your record can result in a serious impact on your future.
By hiring a Columbus criminal defense attorney to help mitigate the charges, it may be possible to have your charges reduced to petty theft or even dismissed if this is a first offense.
Definition of Shoplifting Offenses in Ohio
Shoplifting, also known as retail theft, can range greatly in its possible consequences. A conviction on any charge brings with it the immense burden of a permanent criminal record.
Theft charges can be levied against anyone who takes property without permission from another with the purpose of permanently depriving them:
- By force
- Threat or
- Deception.
Penalties for Shoplifting in Ohio
The seriousness of a shoplifting charge will depend in great part on the value of stolen goods or services.
- For property valued up to $500, first degree misdemeanor charges can be punishable with up to 6 months of jail time and $1000 in fines.
- As value increases, charges become felonies that can bring upwards of 10 years imprisonment or fines up to $20,000.
Need a theft defense lawyer for a shoplifting charge?
We at The Meranda Law Firm LTD fully understand that someone accused of shoplifting does not mean they are guilty. There can be many factors that would cause a store owner or another to believe that shoplifting had occurred when perhaps it was a simple misunderstanding. Let our legal team develop a defense on your behalf that will help to have the charges dropped, if at all possible.
Our team can review all of the available evidence, police reports, witness statements, and help you build a solid defense. We work diligently for our clients in pursuit of optimum results to a shoplifting charge, while keeping in mind the potential effects of a criminal charge to your future.
Contact a Columbus criminal lawyer as soon as possible for outstanding legal counsel.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Zach Meranda was a real attorney with a no bull shit strategy!!! But he won my criminal case even when the odds were against me and I thank him and his associates!!- Pfeifer
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I have nothing but good things to say about Meranda Law Firm, more so Zack. He was a very professional attorney. Made sure that I knew what was going on and that I understood everything. He seemed to be very involved in the case doing what he could to get the best results. Most importantly Zach always made me feel comfortable and was very good about communicating with me. I would recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice or any legal help.- Alexandria Trejo
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I am very happy with The Meranda Law Firm. I hired Mr. Meranda to help me with a case and i am very pleased with the outcome. I would recommend him to everybody he's a very good lawyer.- Kristina Poulton
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Zach Meranda is very professional and really seemed to care about my case! Very friendly, and explained everything so I understood exactly what was going on. Answered all of my questions and never judged. He was great!!! I would recommend him to anyone who wants a great attorney. Can’t thank him enough.- Anonymous
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I could not have asked for a better attorney than Mr. Meranda. He was very professional and yet made sure that I was comfortable and understood everything about my case. I am so grateful to have been referred to his office! I highly recommend his office as his rates are affordable, he is very honest, and he is very knowledgeable.- Anonymous
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Mr. Meranda does his research! He is very professional and promotes himself and law firm in a great manner. He digs to find the facts and will work hard for you. He makes sure you understand what you are facing and will try to come to the best outcome possible. He is easy to talk to and he tells you “like it is.” He is an upfront, affordable lawyer. I highly recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone who is seeking help.- Anonymous
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A criminal case can be very stressful. The Meranda Law Firm can help you with this process. Zack is there to make sure that you get the best personal one on one help you can get. So you don't get pushed around in the system. Takes all the worry out of your case. Very down to earth guy. Easy to talk too. Without Zack I don't know where I would be right now. Thanks Zack; can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you gave me. If you are looking for a lawyer that can take the stress out of your case Zack is your guy- Jeff w
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I hired Mr. Meranda to represent me in a case and he did an excellent job. I am very pleased with the results of the case. Mr. Meranda was very professional and honest. He's is definitely a straight shooter. Thank you Mr. Meranda.- Aaron Jacks
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
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Should I be worried if I am innocent?The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
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What important legal rights am I entitled to?If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
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Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.
