When you face criminal charges in Oklahoma City, it is not advisable to go to court without representation. The prosecutor is tough and persistent — and without a lawyer, you are a pushover. You could end up facing the worst consequences for larceny from a retailer in Oklahoma because you were unable to match the skill of the prosecutor.
Burden Of Proof
The prosecutor must prove that you:
- took and
- carried away
- merchandise
- from a retailer or wholesaler
- of a given value
- by stealth or fraud, and
- with the intention of keeping it.
If the prosecutor cannot prove all seven elements, you cannot go to jail.
An experienced Oklahoma City misdemeanor attorney can possibly discount any one of these elements and create a solid defense.
Penalties For Larceny From A Retailer In Oklahoma
These are the possible penalties for shoplifting in Oklahoma City.
- If you have three or four previous convictions for the same crime, you could spend between two to five years in state prison if convicted again.
- If you are charged with larceny of goods valued at $500 to $1,000, you could face felony charges. Penalties, when convicted, are $5,000 in fines, up to a year in county jail, or both.
- If you are a second-time offender found with merchandise worth $500 to $1,000, you could spend between 30 days to a year in prison, pay a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
- A first-time offender who is caught with goods valued at less than $500 may face misdemeanor charges. Such an offender could spend up to 30 days in jail, pay a fine between $10 and $500, or both.
- Shoplifting goods worth more than $1,000 could attract a penalty of one to five years in prison.
Getting Help
If you took merchandise unknowingly from a retailer, you need an experienced Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney on your side to prove your innocence. They can show the court that you did not intend to keep what you are accused of shoplifting as a possible defense.
Confusion can affect anyone. You could have been in a store and absentmindedly put something in your pocket.
Initial Consultation: Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Attorney
We make it easy for you to get answers to your most pressing questions. There is no cost and no obligation for an initial consultation with our Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney. Call today for answers to your questions.
Our lawyer is well positioned to advise you accordingly, as he has the necessary training and experience. He has the wit and tenacity to match the skill of the Oklahoma City prosecutors.
For a initial consultation, call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at 405-588-4529 (588-4LAW) today.
If you prefer, you may send your question using the contact form at the top right side of this page.