Montgomery County Shoplifting Lawyers

You’ve Been Accused of Shoplifting in Montgomery County – Now What?

So, you find yourself in a sticky situation – accused of shoplifting in Montgomery County, Maryland. Take a deep breath, it’s not the end of the world, but you need to act fast. Having an experienced Montgomery County shoplifting lawyer in your corner could make all the difference.Look, we get it, sometimes things happen that we can’t explain. Maybe it was a misunderstanding, maybe you truly didn‘t intend to shoplift – but the bottom line is, you’re facing charges. And those charges, if not handled properly, could have serious consequences on your life.That’s where we come in.

The Spodek Law Group: Your Trusted Ally

At the Spodek Law Group, we’re not your typical law firm. We’re a team of battle-tested criminal defense attorneys who leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice for our clients. When you hire us, you’re not just getting a lawyer, you‘re getting a partner, an advocate, and a fighter in your corner.We understand that facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. That‘s why we take a hands-on approach, researching every intimate detail of your case and working tirelessly to build the strongest possible defense.Our firm has a reputation for excellence, and we constantly hold meetings to discuss and address all of our cases. In the event of an emergency, we have a full team of lawyers available to help you, 24/7.

Understanding Shoplifting Charges in Montgomery County

In Maryland, shoplifting falls under the broader category of theft crimes. The severity of the charges and potential penalties depend on the value of the merchandise allegedly stolen.If the value is $100 or less, you could be facing misdemeanor charges, which carry the possibility of:

  • Up to 90 days in jail
  • A fine of up to $500
See also  Bucks County Theft Lawyers

However, if the value exceeds $100, you could be looking at felony charges, which are much more serious. Felony theft in Maryland can result in:

  • Up to 5 years in prison
  • A fine of up to $10,000

And if the value is over $1,000, you could be facing up to 10 years behind bars and a $10,000 fine.So, as you can see, the stakes are high. That’s why it‘s crucial to have an experienced Montgomery County shoplifting lawyer on your side, fighting to protect your rights and your future.

Potential Defenses for Shoplifting Charges

At the Spodek Law Group, we know that every case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategies accordingly. Some potential defenses we may explore include:

Lack of Intent

To be convicted of shoplifting, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to steal the merchandise. If we can show that you simply forgot to pay, or that it was an honest mistake, it could be grounds for dismissal or a reduction in charges. 1

Mistaken Identity

In some cases, store security or witnesses may have misidentified you as the perpetrator. Our team will thoroughly investigate the evidence and challenge any shaky eyewitness testimony or unreliable surveillance footage. 2

Improper Stop and Search

If store security or law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the stop, search, or arrest, we may be able to get key evidence suppressed or have the charges dismissed entirely3

Negotiating a Plea Deal

While not a defense per se, in some cases it may be in your best interest to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution. This could involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence or avoiding jail time altogether4No matter what defense strategy we pursue, you can rest assured that we will fight tooth and nail to get you the best possible outcome.

George FernandezGeorge Fernandez
14:16 30 Apr 24
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
RajRaj
21:33 24 Apr 24
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
Yelva Saint-PreuxYelva Saint-Preux
19:26 19 Apr 24
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Katherine SunKatherine Sun
18:08 18 Apr 24
my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional
Nun yaNun ya
17:48 18 Apr 24
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Keisha ParrisKeisha Parris
20:45 15 Mar 24
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
Taïko BeautyTaïko Beauty
16:26 15 Mar 24
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
K MarK Mar
01:37 25 Jan 24
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
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See also  Delaware County 32-1-24 Magisterial District Court