Shoplifting is a crime with serious penalties, including potential fines and jail time. In addition to the criminal charges, shoplifters can be sued by merchants in civil court to recover damages as well. If you are facing a shoplifting charge, make sure you seek out a qualified Attorney for help.

How much do you actually know about shoplifting?  There are definitely some myths and misconceptions out there. Let’s look at the top three.

Shoplifting is a new phenomenon

Some people think shoplifting began with modern shopping malls, but actually, it’s at least as old as Shakespeare since a contemporary of the Bard, Robert Greene, wrote a pamphlet offering advice for shoplifters. According to historians, in 18th century London, stealing clothes accounted for 27% of theft.

Shoplifting is committed out of need

Most modern-day shoplifters are not stealing what they need, but what they want. The top five most-shoplifted items in the US are chewing gum, Advil, cell phones, Red Bull, and cosmetics/perfume.

Shoplifters are women and teenagers

Celebrity shoplifters, like Winona Ryder and Lindsay Lohan, seem to confirm that shoplifting is a woman’s crime, but in Britain, men in prison for shoplifting outnumber women by more than three to one. A 2004 University of Florida study found that middle-aged adults shoplift more than children, showing that those between the ages of 35-54 shoplift more than any other age group.

Because of the nature of shoplifting charges and the broad definition of shoplifting under Florida law, consulting with an aggressive and knowledgeable attorney is going to be the best thing you can do to help minimize consequences and reduce charges.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.