Retail Theft Shoplifting Defense Trumbull, CT
Trumbull, Connecticut Shoplifting Defense Attorneys Make Clients Top Priority
Connecticut Retail Theft Defense Law Firm Will Protect Your Rights
Shoplifting typically refers to the theft of merchandise from a retail store or place of business. In Connecticut, shoplifting involves theft from a retail store and is classified as larceny, which means taking someone else's property without their permission, and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property taken.
Shoplifting offenses generally include two elements:
- Willfully concealing or taking possession of items being offered for sale
- The intent to deprive the items' rightful owner (the store) of possession of the items, without paying the purchase price
Common Defenses to Retail Theft
One of the common defenses raised to retail theft is the lack of criminal intent. In order to be found guilty of retail theft, the defendant must have taken the property with the intent of permanently depriving the retailer of it – acting with the intent to steal. Therefore, if an individual accidently pockets an item or holds onto something while intending to return the property, these behaviors may serve as a defense to retail theft.
Intent to steal can sometimes be proven by the person's actions after they take the item. If a customer runs from a store after putting an item in their bag, that may be sufficient evidence to show that they acted with criminal intent to steal the item. Ignorance of criminal laws is never a defense for retail theft charges.
The Law Offices of Mark M. Kratter, LLC has been successfully defending Trumbull citizens against charges of retail theft for more than 20 years. Our lawyers examine all potential defenses and search for evidence on surveillance cameras, from eyewitness testimony, police reports, and numerous other sources. Contact our firm online or call 203-678-8135 to set up a free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today.
