On behalf of The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A.
There are two main ways that criminal charges can be classified in Florida — as misdemeanors or as felonies. Felony charges are very serious and can result in sentences of over a year in prison. While many people may think that misdemeanor charges are not serious, they can still result in a sentence of up to a year in jail. Furthermore, misdemeanor charges can affect a person’s employment and have social consequences.
One Florida man has recently been charged with misdemeanors including petit theft, battery, and resisting a merchant following an altercation at a local grocery store. According to witnesses, the man placed cans of deodorant into his pants and tried to leave the store without paying. A store security guard tried to stop the man from leaving. Police claim that the man ran from the store and tried to escape on a bike while being chased by a security guard.
When the bike’s chain broke, the man allegedly pushed the security guard to the ground. The man is said to have escaped to an apartment. According to the police, when they showed up at the apartment, the man did not resist arrest and admitted to shoplifting the deodorant.
This man could face serious penalties for this alleged shoplifting and battery including up to a year in jail, a fine, or both. Like more serious charges, misdemeanor charges are handled in courtrooms with a prosecutor and judge. Even with misdemeanor charges, defendants are given the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. People should take this opportunity. By presenting an aggressive defense, even for misdemeanor charges, people can try to avoid penalties and a criminal record.
When you need a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, you can contact us by calling 954-533-2756 for a free consultation.
WTSP, “Christopher Seiler was arrested for shoplifting 10 cans of Axe Deodorant and assaulting a security guard in Sarasota, Florida,” Gillian Finklea, April 11, 2013
