Facing Shoplifting Charges at Gap in Miami?

Whether you were caught walking out with unpaid merchandise or wrongly accused by Gap’s loss prevention team, facing shoplifting charges can be overwhelming and frightening. As experienced Miami shoplifting attorneys who have handled hundreds of retail theft cases, we understand the stress and uncertainty you’re feeling right now.

Understanding Gap’s Loss Prevention Procedures

Gap, like other major retailers, takes shoplifting seriously with extensive security measures. The company employs sophisticated surveillance systems, electronic security tags, and plain-clothes loss prevention officers throughout its stores. When someone is suspected of shoplifting, Gap’s standard procedure involves detaining the person, contacting law enforcement, and pressing charges in most cases. The company typically pursues both criminal prosecution and separate civil penalties against alleged shoplifters.

What You’re Facing: Florida Shoplifting Penalties

Under Florida law, the severity of shoplifting charges depends on the value of merchandise allegedly stolen. If the items are worth less than $100, you face a second-degree misdemeanor carrying up to 60 days in jail. For merchandise valued between $100-$750, the charge becomes a first-degree misdemeanor with potential jail time of up to one year. When the value exceeds $750, you could be charged with a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Beyond possible jail time, a shoplifting conviction can result in substantial fines, civil demand letters from Gap seeking additional payments, and a permanent criminal record. The consequences can be particularly severe for professionals and non-citizens, affecting employment opportunities, professional licensing, and immigration status.

Common Defenses in Gap Shoplifting Cases

As your defense attorneys, we can explore several potential strategies to fight these charges. Some cases involve issues of mistaken identity due to poor camera angles or unreliable witness testimony. Sometimes, customers forget to pay for items or become distracted, demonstrating no actual intent to steal. Loss prevention officers can also fail to follow proper procedures during stops and searches. In some cases, underlying mental health or addiction issues may warrant treatment rather than punishment.

Why You Need an Experienced Shoplifting Defense Attorney

Without proper legal representation, you risk making incriminating statements, missing critical deadlines, accepting unfavorable plea deals, and ending up with a permanent criminal record. Our criminal defense attorneys can thoroughly review surveillance footage and evidence, identify procedural errors, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights. We have extensive experience helping first-time offenders qualify for diversion programs that can prevent a criminal record.

What To Do Right Now

If you’ve been charged with shoplifting from Gap, avoid discussing your case with anyone at the store or paying civil demand letters without consulting an attorney. Document everything you remember about the incident while it’s fresh in your mind. Most importantly, contact our experienced retail theft defense attorneys immediately.

Every day you wait could hurt your chances of achieving the best possible outcome. Our firm has helped many clients facing similar charges get their cases dismissed or reduced to avoid a criminal record. We understand the stress and uncertainty you’re experiencing and are here to help guide you through this challenging time.

A shoplifting charge does not have to ruin your life. You can overcome this challenge with experienced legal representation and the right defense strategy. Let our criminal defense team fight for you.

CALL US for a FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION at (305) 538-4545, or take a moment to fill out our secure intake form. The sooner you have experienced legal representation, the better your chances of resolving these charges favorably. The additional information you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry.*

THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF LAW FIRMS AND ATTORNEYS IN SOUTH FLORIDA. ALWAYS INVESTIGATE A LAWYER’S QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON HIRING A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY ATTORNEY FOR YOUR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CASE

*Due to the large number of people who contact our law office requesting our assistance in theft crime cases, it is strongly suggested that you take the time to provide us with specific details regarding your case by filling out our confidential and secure intake form. The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry promptly and appropriately.

ALWAYS INVESTIGATE A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY’S QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON HIRING A THEFT LAWYER FOR YOUR PROPERTY CRIMES CASE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY