Experienced Lynnwood Criminal Defense Lawyer
Shoplifting is considered a type of theft crime in Washington and punished accordingly. You could be forcibly detained by a merchant who is accusing you of attempted shoplifting for a reasonable amount of time to allow time for interrogation by police. If you have been charged with shoplifting, a Lynnwood criminal defense attorney from our firm can provide you with the solid legal defense you need.
When you are charged with a crime, you need resilient and professional legal defense by your side to protect you. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Sheehy understands how other prosecutors work in trying to obtain a conviction and can work to outmaneuver them. Our firm has a proven track record of success and has been listed as a Rising Star in Washington Law & Politics Magazine so you can trust we will work with your best interests at heart.
What penalties am I facing?
Relieving any merchant of their product with the intent to permanently deprive them of it is all that is needed for a shoplifting charge. The offense can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances.
Penalties for a shoplifting conviction can include:
- Up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines for theft of property worth less than $750
- Up to 5 years in jail and/or up to $10,000 in fines for property worth between $750 and $5,000
- Up to 10 years in jail and/or up to $20,000 in fines for property worth more than $5,000
- Up to 10 years in jail and/or up to $20,000 in fines for theft of a firearm
You could also face additional punishments in civil court by the victimized merchant and be forced to pay back the value of the merchandise stolen and hundreds more in additional penalties.
We can Fight Hard to Preserve Your Innocence
An Everett criminal defense attorney may be able to work with the prosecution to find a suitable diversion program instead of jail time whereby after paying restitution and undergoing counseling, the accused can have their charges dropped.
Our first priority however is to contest your charges at all points to have them thrown out of court. If you merely borrowed the item in question or believed you had lawfully purchased them, you cannot be found guilty of shoplifting. We can fight hard to protect your freedom and future!
Accused of shoplifting? Call our firm today and begin your legal defense! We offer free case evaluations.
Many years of excellent service and honesty. I always choose Michael and his staff for any criminal matter!! All of my friends and family agree
Northern Approaches
Very professional and honestly the best and only Attorney I’ve had. He was very professional from him to his secretary. They always updated me with any new things they heard and he always returned my calls. Best of all we beat the case!!!!! If your looking for a Attorney then he’s your guy. Definitely recommend him to anyone looking for awesome attorney!!!
Roslin
Michael Sheehy always put me at ease when he discussed my case with me. I felt like he knew all aspects of criminal law and took time to explain what to expect on my day in court. He’s confident, honest and very personable, making me feel like a family member who found himself needing serious legal help. Major kudos to Wendy who is at his side answering emails and calls immediately, I never felt like I’m not as important as other clients. I highly recommend attorney Michael P. Sheehy to handle your case.
Alan Taub
Mr. Sheehy has always put in the extra mile for me. Originally I was about to work with another law office firm and wanted to see what other options I had so I went and interviewed with Michael. 2 minutes in and I was convinced that I’d be in better hands with Michael. It was a challenging case and he was commited and confident to get it done. Also had better pricing too!!! Now few months later here we are and I received the best outcome anyone could ask for! Should’ve been in jail and with crazy fines. Now here we are with no fines and no jail time. Truly a shocking outcome. Never going to anyone else. Oh and his assistant is the nicest lady ever! She would always remind you a day or two before that you would have court. This helped so much! Just a great team overall!!!
Ruvim Kolo