Shoplifting at Walmart in Port Allen

Situated on the bank of the Mississippi River, Port Allen is the parish seat of the West Baton Rouge Parish in Louisiana.

It is a bubbling city that provides an amazing view of the Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River, which also makes it home to the Mississippi Riverfront Development and Baton Rouge Museum.

What is a bubbling city without stores?

Port Allen has branches of some of the largest stores in the world like Walmart, and where there are stores, there would most likely be shoplifting. If you have been charged with shoplifting at Walmart or you know someone that has, it is very important that you get a good Port Allen shoplifting lawyer to represent you in court as shoplifting may have severe consequences, depending on the circumstances

In Louisiana, shoplifting crimes are classified under “theft of goods”, so before we delve further, let us look at theft charges in general.

Theft Charges

The state government of Louisiana defines theft as collecting something of value from someone or a place through fraudulent methods or without their approval. The item can also be stolen with the intention of keeping it away from the rightful owner permanently.

By this definition, any object can be stolen, so the state has made provision for special penalties to be meted out for things like livestock, crayfish, alligators, cars, firearms, etc.

If you are charged with cases like cases, you must get a good Port Allen Shoplifting Lawyer to help you get the best results out of your case. Carl Barkemeyer is here for you.

Moving on…

Theft of Goods (Shoplifting)

Theft of goods (which shoplifting is classified under) refers to taking something of value which has been put up for sale by a merchant, either through fraudulent acts and practices or without the approval of the merchant.

First, before the shoplifting can take place, there must be an intent to shoplift, and the court can see the evidence of this intent through the following acts:

a.     Altering the price tags that show the real retail price of the goods

b.     Intentionally hiding the goods for sale

c.     Intentionally makes the cashier record prices less than the actual price of the goods

d.     Destroys or consumes the goods, thereby making it unsellable

e.     Removes the price tag on the goods to deceive the merchant

f.      Placing the goods in another container to deceive the merchant and buy it at a lower price.

This means that you do not even need to take the goods outside the store before you can be charged with shoplifting. Any of the above cases above is enough evidence for the court. If you have been charged with these crimes, Carl Barkemeyer is ready to help you get the best possible outcome, even though you feel your case is bad.

Shoplifting Charges

Just like most theft charges, shoplifting charges can be mild or severe, depending on the value of the stolen goods. 

Different states have laws that often include a wide range of charges, and it is left to the prosecutor to decide the charge the state would mete out in a given case. The range of shoplifting charges in some states range from low-level infraction, misdemeanor, to varying degrees of felony.

The prosecutor also looks at the history of the accused. If he/she has a history of shoplifting, how many times and what were the circumstances surrounding the theft? This is why you need a good Port Allen shoplifting lawyer that can decipher some of these questions and help you get the best out of your case. With his wealth of experience, Carl Barkemeyer will be able to help you decipher the case and present the best options available.

Generally, infractions often result in a fine, misdemeanor leads to jail time or probation, while felonies lead to very long jail times and/or a much bigger fine.

Shoplifting Penalties in Louisiana

There are two types of penalties in Louisiana with regards to shoplifting: Criminal penalties and civil penalties.

a.     Criminal penalties: This encompasses any criminal fine or penalty that is imposed on the accused. These penalties normally depend on how severe the circumstances surrounding the issue are:

·      Stolen goods worth less than $1000 dollars with no prior shoplifting case: If a person steals goods worth less than $1000 and has no previous shoplifting history, he/she may either pay a fine of $1000 and/or spend 6 months in jail.

·      Stolen goods worth $1000 dollars or more with no prior shoplifting case: if a person shoplifts goods worth $1000 or more and has had no prior shoplifting cases, he/she may be looking at either pay a fine of $1000 and/or spend up to two years in jail. This is a felony.

·      If the amount is less than $1000 but the defendant has two prior theft convictions, the third becomes a felony punishable by two years in prison.

b.     Civil penalties: These are financial penalties aimed at helping the accused make restitution for the wrong done. It does not include any legal punishment whatsoever. Merchants can sue shoplifters to civil court for the worth of goods stolen. If the goods cannot be returned in a sellable condition, they will pay the cost of the goods and extra for damages incurred.

The beautiful thing is that even though all hopes seem to be lost, the space between you and jail is the right Port Allen shoplifting lawyer that can help you maximize your options. Carl Barkemeyer has proven to help people get the best positive outcomes.

Shoplifting Lawyer in Port Allen, Louisiana

In the many scenarios, the accused might be able to request a plea bargain with the prosecutor. This may result in the court giving lighter sentences or lesser charges while you plead guilty to the charges.

Are you aware that that option is open? Only the right Port Allen shoplifting lawyer can tell you.

Contact us at 225-964-6720 for help.