Hampton Roads Concealment Attorney
Former Prosecutor Defending Clients against Hampton Roads Concealment Charges
Concealment is a specific type of larceny. It involves concealing merchandise, altering price tags, transferring containers, or assisting someone else to do the same, for the purpose of stealing the merchandise or paying a lesser price than actually charged by the store. The severity of the charges depends of the value of the merchandise concealed.
When you work with the Law Office of Shawn M Cline, PC, you will have an experienced Hampton Roadsconcealment lawyer who will aggressively pursue the best possible outcome in your case while protecting your rights and freedoms.
Our founding attorney is a former prosecutor who has successfully defended clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including theft crimes. He knows how to develop the best possible criminal defense strategy for your specific circumstances. You cannot afford to rely on inexperienced counsel when your future is on the line.
Concealment Lawyer in Hampton Roads: Seasoned Criminal Defense Lawyer
When the value of the merchandise concealed is less than $200, concealment is charged as misdemeanor petit larceny, which is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fine of up to $2,500. The charge is felony grand larceny if the value of the merchandise concealed is $200 or more. If you are charged with this crime, you face the possibility of up to 20 years in jail.
The burden is on the prosecutor to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. There are several possible defenses to concealment that can be raised, depending on the circumstances in your particular case. These defenses include:
- Identity. Were you the person who actually committed the crime? Perhaps it was someone else who was seen shoplifting.
- Intent. Was it your intention to actually steal the merchandise? The prosecution has the burden of proving that it was.
- Value. If you are charged with a felony for merchandise valued at $200 or more, it may be possible to challenge the value of the merchandise and reduce the charges to a misdemeanor.
Contact our firm for a seasoned Hampton Roads criminal defense attorney to represent you against charges of concealment.