Does An Issuance Of A Summons For Shoplifting In Connecticut Mean You Have Been Arrested?

If you were caught shoplifting in Connecticut, depending on the situation, when law enforcement arrives, they may not slap the handcuffs on you and haul you away to jail. Instead, they may simply provide you with a summons and ticket. This is often the scenario in many shoplifting situations. However, just because your experience was not as dramatic and climatic as maybe it would have been if they did come barreling through the store’s doors and pull out the handcuffs with sirens screeching and lights flashing, you are still looking at trouble. In this scenario, your future is in question and what happens to you may be much more than a simple slap on the wrist for your actions. Also, if you do not have a criminal record, how you handle this situation  matters. Shoplifting can tarnish a clean record.

On the surface, shoplifting may not be one of the most serious crimes to be accused of. However, there are going to be criminal implications with shoplifting charges. Also, despite how it may feel, if you were issued a summons and complaint ticket, you have, in fact, been arrested for committing a crime. If you were arrested for shoplifting in Connecticut, the same recommendations apply that would exist in other situations of alleged criminality. That is that you are better off with an attorney representing your interests than managing your legal situation without one. Here, the Canton criminal defense lawyer at The Law Office of Brian S. Karpe can help you.

Shoplifting is a Crime in Connecticut

While only considered a misdemeanor offense, shoplifting is still a crime in Connecticut. Typically, this charge is larceny in the 6th degree. This would be true if what you were accused of stealing was under $500. If the value of the items you stole was higher, from $500 to $1,000, then the charges are elevated to larceny in the 5th degree.

When shoplifting charges are on the horizon, an attorney may be able to do many things for you. For one, an attorney may be able to negotiate on your behalf to have your charges dropped and save your record from becoming one with criminal violations. Potentially, your attorney can get you involved in a diversionary program to help you overcome such a precarious situation.

For first-time offenders, the ability to have such charges dismissed is far higher than for those with a criminal history and a pattern of stealing. Individuals with a criminal past could be looking at having the level of their charges bumped up to a felony offense. Felonies come with much harsher penalties than misdemeanors and also are viewed by others with greater disdain and far more judgment.

Speak to a Connecticut Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Getting in touch with a legal professional when you have been arrested and facing criminal charges is vital. An attorney can help you make the best out of a bad situation and increase the likelihood that you will be able to manage your legal case in the most favorable and beneficial way.

After an arrest, call the Canton criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Brian S. Karpe today to schedule a free consultation at 860-217-1458.

Source:

jud.ct.gov/lawlib/law/criminalpenalties.htm