When It Comes to Theft, There Is No Such Thing as a "Minor" Criminal Charge
What may seem like a just a minor stupid decision now can turn out to ruin your ability to get a job in the future unless you take evasive action and immediately hire an experienced attorney.
People charged with theft crimes need a dedicated and aggressive defense. There is much more at stake than jail time, fines and restitution. Even when caught red-handed in the act, or after an admission we have helped many people since 1974 avoid convictions for a theft crime.
Shoplifting is seen by many as a victimless crime. Consequently, many people arrested for shoplifting may not initially appreciate what is at stake. They may not realize they run a high risk of becoming victims themselves — victims of a system that would brand them not only as a criminal, but as a thief for the rest of their lives.
In our 66 years of combined experience defending clients in North Texas, the criminal defense attorneys at Pelley Law Office, L.L.P. know that sometimes the person who suffers most is the person accused of even the most petty crimes.
You simply cannot afford to take a shoplifting charge lightly. Yes, in some cases the worst you may face is a little time in jail and a relatively small fine. Yes, in some cases it may seem like you can get off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist if you just plead guilty. However, taking anything but exactly the right path can result in your life taking a permanent turn for the worse.
Maybe you think that the worst consequence of a guilty plea or conviction for shoplifting is the embarrassment you feel. Think again. Shoplifting, like other theft offenses, is considered a "crime of moral turpitude." A conviction for shoplifting is like an indictment against your character, one that will almost certainly impact your employment opportunities forever.
Dallas Theft Defense Attorneys
No employer wants to hire someone with a criminal record for theft. Too many times, people have made a youthful error in judgment by shoplifting and simply accepted the first plea deal offered in hopes of putting the whole thing behind them. These people then find that their future prospects have changed overnight. Too often we see people who bitterly regret the decision not to contest a shoplifting charge, and then it is too late to fix their mistake.
If you or someone you care about has been arrested and charged with shoplifting in North Texas, we strongly urge you to talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer before you make a decision that could haunt you for the rest of your life.
Contact Pelley Law Office, L.L.P. for Answers and Straightforward Advice
We encourage you to contact our offices immediately if you or someone you care about has been arrested for shoplifting or another theft crime in North Texas. Your initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be free. Do not wait. Call us at 972-608-0335 or 903-813-4778 now.
