Caught On Tape Shoplifting? How A Criminal Lawyer Can Help You

If you were charged with shoplifting from a store and the store has video of you committing the crime, you may think that there is not a defense available for you. But, even if there is security footage, a criminal lawyer may still be able to help you. Here are a few of the ways that a criminal lawyer can help defend you against shoplifting charges even if there is footage of you committing the crime. 

Arguing You Were Illegally Taped

In some states, stores are allowed to record any and everyone who enters the premise without having to notify them. In other states, there are laws regarding the use of cameras. The store may have to post signs notifying you that cameras are in use or there may be laws about where the cameras can be placed. If the store did not follow these laws, a lawyer may be able to argue that you were illegally taped and have the video evidence thrown out. This makes it a lot harder to prove that you were shoplifting in the store. 

Having Your Rights Were Violated During the Arrest

When you are detained for shoplifting and subsequently arrested, you have rights. Both the store and the police have to follow the law when detaining and arresting you. If either violates your rights, a great attorney may be able to get the charges thrown out on account of your rights being violated. An attorney will have you walk them through the arrest when you hire them, and as you do, they will be listening to determine if this may have happened to you. 

Plea Your Case Down

In some cases, there simply is no defense for what you did. You were caught on tape red-handed. However, a criminal attorney may still be able to get the charges reduced. In many states, the courts are overwhelmed and the jails are full. If you plea guilty instead of tying up the courts with your case, you may be able to plea guilty to a lesser charge. An attorney can plea your case, or negotiate it, down, to minimize your criminal exposure. 

If you have been charged with shoplifting and there is video of you committing the crime, you may think that you have little to no recourse for fighting the charges. But this is not true. Even if there is video, there are defenses that can be used to help get the charges reduced or dismissed. If you have been charged with shoplifting, contact a criminal lawyer today to find out how they can help you. 

Visit a site like http://www.siouxlandlaw.com for more help.


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