Being charged with shoplifting is scary – you don’t know whether you’re going to go to jail, whether you’ll have to pay fines, or even whether you’ll have a permanent criminal record. This guide explains what you should do if you were charged with shoplifting over the holidays.
What Should You Do if You Were Charged With Shoplifting Over the Holidays?
First things first: Any time you’re accused of committing a crime in Wisconsin, you have the right to contact an attorney. You can ask an attorney questions and hire them to represent you. When you hire an attorney, they’ll be with you when police question you, look for ways to get you the best possible outcome, and fight for you in court.
Related: Do shoplifters go to jail in Wisconsin?
The very first thing you should do if you were charged with shoplifting over the holidays is take the time to talk to an attorney. Your attorney will ask you several questions, including:
- What happened leading up to your arrest?
- Do the police have video surveillance of you shoplifting, or were they relying on someone else’s word?
- Did you cooperate with police?
- Have you confessed to police?
- Did the police arrest you on the spot, at your home or work, or out in public after the alleged shoplifting incident?
Your attorney will also ask you more detailed questions based on the circumstances of your case. When your lawyer asks you questions, it’s important that you answer honestly; the more questions you answer, the better your lawyer can prepare a defense for you.
Related: What happens after someone catches you shoplifting?
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Being Charged With Shoplifting Over the Holidays?
If you were charged with shoplifting over the holidays, call our office at 414-383-6700 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll ask what happened and get the basics on your case; then we’ll be able to evaluate your situation and let you know what’s going to happen next.
