We recently defended a client who had been charged with shoplifting from a convenience store. Our client had no prior record and was adamant about avoid a conviction and any possible jail. However, shoplifting cases can be very tough since almost all major stores employ their own security, referred to a Loss Prevention Officers, who are trained on what type of suspicious activity to look for and to document it properly. Moreover, it is standard for them to record all alleged acts or attempts to shoplift and to introduce these videotapes in court to use against the defendant. In order to secure a victorious outcome for our client, our attorneys had to use an aggressive defense strategy and attack the State’s case and challenge whether they could actually meet their burden of proof to convict our client. Eventually, after the matter could not be worked out, it was set for a trial. On the trial date, the State was unprepared to try the case because they still could not meet their burden and requested an adjournment. However, our criminal attorneys made an application to dismiss based on the fact that our client and the State each had ample time to prepare for trial. After some consideration, the Judge granted our motion and all charges were dismissed. Our client was able to walk out of court with their record intact and without having to pay any fines or fees to the court.
State v. S.C.
