Cherry Creek Mall isn’t just a shopping spot in Denver – it’s packed with high-end fashion and trendy stores. But what happens if someone takes more than they paid for? While the mall boasts top brands, it also has tight security. Shoplifting may seem minor, but Colorado law treats it as a serious offense. If you’re caught, the consequences can be severe, including legal action, fines, and a lasting mark
Face Shoplifting Charges with Denver Retail Theft Lawyer Kimberly Diego
While popular culture has largely portrayed shoplifting as nothing more than a symptom of a rebellious teenage phase, the Colorado judicial system takes shoplifting charges very seriously. Shoplifting is a form of theft and, just like any other criminal conviction, can have serious and far-reaching negative consequences. Depending on the value of the items stolen, someone convicted of shoplifting may face fines, jail time, and a criminal record that will make it difficult to do things like apply for college, get a job, or join the military. Because of the harsh penalties, it’s essential that anyone accused of shoplifting contact a skilled Denver defense attorney as soon as possible.
Colorado theft attorney Kimberly Diego can provide you with the sound legal counsel and assertive representation that you will need to defend yourself against the charges you are facing. Even if you firmly believe the entire situation was just a silly misunderstanding, you can’t assume that the courts will see it that way. You will need the expertise of someone who understands the Colorado judicial system, shoplifting laws, and the specifics of your case. Do not leave your future to chance: contact Denver criminal defense lawyer Kimberly Diego for the help you need in your shoplifting case.
Don’t Let One Mistake from Destroy Your Future: Use a Lawyer
There are many different and complex reasons why people shoplift. Sometimes a shoplifting crime is committed under stress or in a moment of panic. Teenagers, in particular, may feel pressured by friends to shoplift an item in order to fit in, although adults can also experience societal pressures that lead them to shoplift. Whatever the specific reasons, most people realize they’ve made a mistake soon after stealing something and feel remorseful.
Denver defense attorney Kimberly Diego recognizes that someone who has shoplifted isn’t a bad person—they’re just someone who has made a mistake. While theft is illegal, shoplifting isn’t something that should carry harsh and far-reaching penalties like a criminal record lasting for the rest of someone’s life. Whether working with a juvenile or adult client, Ms. Diego will work to convince the prosecution that charges should be reduced, deferred, or dropped altogether.
Kimberly Diego Knows the Nuances of Theft and Shoplifting Laws
The severity of the charges against you and the potential penalties you face for shoplifting largely depends on the value of the merchandise that you allegedly stole, as well as whether or not this is the first offense. For example, a first-time theft of less than $500 worth of merchandise is considered a class 2 misdemeanor and carries with it a maximum penalty of between 3 months to 1 year in jail and $250-$1,000 in fines, while an alleged theft of more than $1,000 worth of merchandise is a class 4 felony, which can result in 2-6 years of prison time and $2,000-$500,000 in fines. If you have two or more shoplifting incidents and are alleged to have stolen more than a collective $1,000 worth of merchandise in 6 months, you will also face a felony charge.
Of course, a charge is not the same as a conviction, and a good shoplifting attorney will aggressively defend you to make sure that you don’t face the maximum penalties. Denver criminal defense attorney Kimberly Diego has extensive experience defending clients facing misdemeanor and felony shoplifting charges, and she has the expertise to understand how the laws and regulations apply to your specific case. With Ms. Diego as your Denver criminal lawyer, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you have an advocate who will compassionately guide you through all the phases of your case while assiduously pursuing the very best outcome possible for you.
A Rigorous Defense Can Make a Difference in Your Shoplifting Case
In shoplifting cases, it’s up to the prosecution to prove certain things in order to have a strong shoplifting case against you, including:
- That you were seen approaching the merchandise
- That you selected or picked up the merchandise
- That you concealed or otherwise carried away the merchandise
- That a store clerk or other witness continuously observed you from the moment you were seen approaching the merchandise until you left the store
- That you did not pay for the merchandise
- That the store clerk approached you outside of the store
If you retain criminal defense attorney Kimberly Diego, she will carefully examine your case and analyze all the details in order to build the best defense possible. If any part of the prosecution’s case is weak, she may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to get the charges against you lowered, or in some cases, dropped altogether. Your best chance of getting a positive outcome in your case is to work with an experienced and aggressive shoplifting attorney like Ms. Diego.
Face Shoplifting Charges Head-On, Contact Kimberly Diego Today
You may be feeling like you have no idea how your shoplifting case will turn out, but there’s one thing that’s certain: you need to work with a good defense attorney. Some people believe that they’ll be able to get up in front of a judge and explain how the whole situation was overblown or simply a misunderstanding, but only an experienced shoplifting lawyer will know when it’s appropriate to bring up mitigating factors and how to present them.
With Kimberly Diego, you can rest easy knowing that a well-qualified defense attorney is doing everything in her power to get you the best possible outcome and keeping you informed about what’s going on every step of the way. Whether you’re an adult or a minor, facing a misdemeanor or a felony, living in Denver or anywhere else in Colorado, Ms. Diego has handled cases similar to yours and will be able to determine the best approach for your individual situation.
To learn more about how Kimberly Diego can help you resolve your shoplifting case, schedule a free 45-minute consultation today. You can reach her by calling 720-257-5346, or you can fill out a free case review form to have a representative from the Law Office of Kimberly Diego get back to you quickly. Your future is too important to waste; be proactive and get the best shoplifting defense possible with Kimberly Diego.