Shoplifting Attorney in Jacksonville
Retail Theft Defense Built on Prosecutorial Experience
Russell B. McCormick spent years as a prosecutor before defending clients, and that background shapes how we approach retail theft charges today. We know how the State Attorney’s Office evaluates these cases, what evidence carries weight, and where the prosecution’s case is most likely to break down. If you’re facing a shoplifting charge in Jacksonville, that perspective matters from day one.
A charge that looks minor on paper can follow you for years. We handle every case with direct attorney involvement from the first call through resolution. No handoffs to staff, and no one-size-fits-all approach. We’ve handled thousands of criminal matters across Northeast Florida and are prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what the facts demand.
Call us at (904) 353-0436 to schedule a free initial consultation. We’re available 24/7, including evenings and weekends, and we offer payment plans to make quality defense accessible.
Why Jacksonville Clients Choose McCormick Law
With more than a decade as a prosecutor, Russell B. McCormick understands retail theft investigations from the inside. He knows which surveillance angles loss-prevention staff rely on, how internal reports are written, and where gaps in that evidence create room for a defense. That firsthand knowledge translates directly into how we build your case.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That posture strengthens our negotiating position with prosecutors long before a courtroom is involved. Clients throughout Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Clay, and Baker counties receive consistent, direct communication with the attorney handling their case, not a rotating cast of associates.
Our firm has earned recognition, including the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award and National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. We offer off-site meeting options for clients who need flexibility. Hablamos español.
Florida Retail Theft Charges & Penalties
Florida doesn’t have a standalone shoplifting statute. These charges are prosecuted under Fla. Stat. § 812.015, which defines retail theft broadly to include taking merchandise, altering or removing price tags, transferring items between containers, or removing a shopping cart. The statute also prohibits possessing a device designed to defeat anti-theft or inventory-control systems. The value of the merchandise and your prior record determine how serious the charge becomes.
Since October 2019, Florida law sets the dividing line between misdemeanor and felony theft at $750. Merchandise under that value is charged as petit theft, a misdemeanor under Fla. Stat. § 812.014; merchandise valued at $750 or more becomes grand theft, a felony. The penalty tiers break down as follows:
Florida Shoplifting Penalty Tiers:- Petit theft, second degree (under $100): Up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine
- Petit theft, first degree ($100–$749): Up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine
- Grand theft, third degree ($750–$20,000): Up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine
- Grand theft, second degree ($20,000–$100,000): Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Grand theft, first degree (over $100,000): Up to 30 years in prison
Prior convictions raise the stakes considerably. A second petit theft conviction can be elevated to a first-degree misdemeanor regardless of the dollar amount, and two or more prior theft convictions can push even a low-value charge to a third-degree felony. Florida law also permits separate incidents within a 120-day window to be aggregated to reach the $750 felony threshold.
Courts may suspend a driver’s license for up to six months on a first conviction and up to one year on a second. A conviction triggers fingerprinting, and your name may be entered into a national database that employers access during background checks.
Consequences Beyond the Courtroom
Theft offenses are classified as crimes of dishonesty, and that label follows you. Employers across nearly every industry run background checks, and a misdemeanor retail theft conviction can disqualify applicants from jobs in healthcare, finance, education, and government. Professional licenses in those fields can be jeopardized by a theft record as well.
The ripple effects extend further. Colleges, graduate programs, and scholarship organizations routinely ask about criminal history, and a conviction can influence admissions decisions. Housing applications present the same obstacle.
Florida law adds another layer: retailers can pursue civil damages entirely separate from any criminal case. Under Fla. Stat. § 772.11, a merchant can seek up to three times the actual damages sustained, plus attorney’s fees. Before filing, the merchant must make a written demand. Receiving that letter doesn’t mean the criminal case has been resolved, and responding without legal guidance can create problems. We can help you understand what a civil demand letter requires and how to respond appropriately.
A conviction typically stays on your record permanently in Florida unless charges are dismissed, dropped, or you complete a qualifying diversion program and later apply to seal or expunge the record. Florida permits that process only once in a lifetime, which makes early intervention in your case especially important.
Five-Star Reviews See What our Clients Have to Say
Russell B. McCormick Focuses on You, and It Shows in Our Reviews
Read through some of our recent five-star client testimonials below, or call (904) 353-0436 get started with our attorney today.
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"Five stars doesn’t even do his firm justice!"
Mr. McCormick is an outstanding attorney. He was very thorough in every detail of my case, which ultimately led to the dismissal of all charges in my situation. Not only is he very communicative about every aspect, but shows great integrity and loyalty. He even called after hours when it was necessary. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about his work. I would 100% recommend him as an exceptionally excellent attorney. His staff is wonderful and kind as well, and available to help with any questions or concerns you may have.
Five stars doesn’t even do his firm justice!
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"Now I can get back to living instead of worrying. I cannot begin to explain the weight that has been lifted."I appreciate all of your efforts and support. It has been a very trying time and I am extremely grateful. I cannot begin to explain the weight that has been lifted. Now I can get back to living instead of worrying. My young adults are my life and they all are beautiful beings with loving hearts. Thank you again and thank the ladies in your office Dorothy and Brandi. Two very professional and very kind ladies. And please thank Luke for me also. Very kind. May God Bless you all. Take care.
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"Russell B. McCormick was very direct and upfront about everything, laying out all the options available to me."A friend who went through a similar situation recommended me this Law Office. I was a bit nervous about talking to a lawyer since it was my first time having to need one. Russell B. McCormick was very direct and upfront about everything, laying out all the options available to me. He was also quite accommodating with my work schedule and kept me up to date with anything that came up or that I needed to do. I’m so grateful he was able to reduce my charge, with the eligibility of getting it sealed later on.- Kevin
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"Russell is Amazing!"Russell is Amazing! He handled my son’s case with such professionalism all while having a very calm demeanor. His hard work granted the best results for my son, and we are more than pleased. And I can’t leave out Dorothy! It was a pleasure speaking with her when calling the office Every Time.She was always sweet and made sure to answer any concerns that we had.. Overall I give Russell and his team a A+.. I highly recommend..- Meka B.
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"They were knowledgeable and straight to the point"This firm was well worth it , they were knowledgeable and straight to the point and actually got the job done . Also they respond back to you in a timely manner . I am very appreciative for their service. Now I can move forward in life . Thanks- Deven R.
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"Highly recommend Russell McCormick."Highly recommend Russell McCormick. Upon calling he immediately went to work on my case. He clearly communicated the process and walked me through any questions I had. He was also able to get my sentencing talked down and made the process as painless as it could be. I am so glad he was referred to me!- Rachel B.
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"Russell cares and he knows the system. the outcome of my case far surpassed my expectations."Russell was great! this is the second time I have used him and i have to say, I'm impressed. Russell cares and he knows the system. the outcome of my case far surpassed my expectations. I would recommend Russell McCormick to anyone needing legal counsel. After finding Russell, I will never use anyone else for my legal needs!- Luke F.
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Called the McCormick office in trouble, with my freedom on the line. Russell answered the phone himself and confirmed he took on my type of cases. He took my information down and we scheduled a consultation. When I arrived for my consultation, he already had the information about my case,and a plan to come to my defense, already in tow! That made me confident in hiring Russell. However, my case had gotten thrown out (unbeknownst to me) and even though I paid the retainers fee, he sent me a refund.In reality he could have kept it. That right there is why he'll forever be my go to attorney if I needed one. Ready to defend and honest when need be. I appreciate him and Ms Dorothy and highly recommend. Thanks again!- Jones
Discuss Your Case with a Jacksonville Shoplifting Lawyer
A free initial consultation costs you nothing and gives you a clear picture of where your case stands. Russell B. McCormick can review what happened, explain the charges, and walk through the defense options available to you. You won’t be talking to a receptionist or a paralegal; you’ll be talking to the attorney who handles your case.
We offer evening and weekend appointments, off-site meetings when needed, and payment plans to make representation manageable. Whether your charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, acting early keeps the most options open.
Call (904) 353-0436 now to reach McCormick Law and schedule your free consultation. We’re available 24/7 and ready to help.
