Shoplifting charge? Call a lawyer.

If you've been charged with shoplifting, you need to talk to a criminal defence lawyer now.

Learn your options

Never assume that you'll be convicted of shoplifting. Have your case reviewed before you enter your plea.

The prosecution may not be able to prove it's case, or you might have a defence. Find out, before you go to court.

Are there alternatives to court?

There might be, and a criminal defence lawyer will know what they are. You might be able to complete a "diversion" program, and avoid a criminal record.

How to you get into a diversion program?

First of all, you have to know if a diversion program is available. A criminal defence lawyer will know what, if any, programs are available to you. More importantly, they'll know who to talk to.

Prosecutors are human beings. They have likes and dislikes, just like everyone else. A good criminal defence lawyer gets to know which prosecutors are open to discussions, and which ones are not. That's one of the reasons why it's important not to try to negotiate yourself.

Judges are human too.

The same things we just said about prosecutors can be said of criminal court judges as well. Knowing what judges like to hear, or don't like to hear, is a very powerful tool that a layman doesn't possess.

The bottom line.

If you've been charged with shoplifting, talk to a criminal defence lawyer who knows what options are available to you, and who to talk to. That's the best way for you to get the result that you're after.