You didn’t plan for this. Maybe it was a misunderstanding. Perhaps it was a moment of poor judgment. Maybe someone else involved put you in a tough spot. But now you’re facing a retail theft charge and scared about what comes next.
At The Hazzard Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming it feels to be accused of a crime, especially when you’ve always thought of yourself as a law-abiding, good-hearted person.
In this blog, our criminal defense lawyers will explain what this charge means. We will also discuss your rights and the steps you can take to protect your future.
What Is Retail Theft in Alabama?
Retail theft, often referred to as “shoplifting”, involves taking retail merchandise from a store without paying for it. But Alabama law doesn’t stop there. Retail theft can also include:
- Swapping price tags to pay less
- Concealing items to avoid detection
- Returning stolen merchandise for store credit
- Transferring merchandise to another container to avoid detection
- Possessing retail merchandise outside of its original packaging
- Working with someone else to commit the act (called “organized retail theft”)
In Alabama, these types of theft offenses fall under the broader umbrella of theft of property, and the penalties can vary based on the value of retail merchandise stolen.
Misdemeanor or Felony?
Alabama classifies retail theft charges by degrees. Here’s how it generally breaks down:
- Retail Theft in the 3rd Degree (Under $500): Third-degree theft is a Class A misdemeanor. This is the charge most commonly associated with committing retail theft.
- Retail Theft in the 2nd Degree ($500 to $2,500): This second-degree offense is a Class C felony. It involves a higher aggregate value of the retail merchandise and includes harsher penalties, including one year and a day up to 10 years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine.
- Retail Theft in the 1st Degree (Over $2,500 or involving organized retail crime): A first-degree theft conviction should never be taken lightly. This is a Class B felony, which can mean not less than two years or more than 20 years in prison and permanent consequences on your record. Additionally, this punishment may include a fine of up to $30,000.
Some cases involving stolen motor vehicle parts or where someone remains unlawfully inside a retail establishment after business hours may also fall under higher degrees of theft. Even a minor retail theft charge can quickly snowball into serious consequences, especially if you’ve had a prior conviction or face accusations of organized retail theft.
What Does Alabama Law Say About Organized Retail Theft?
Alabama has become increasingly strict on organized retail theft. This refers to two or more individuals working together to steal, transport, or sell retail merchandise. Criminals often use online marketplaces to sell stolen property to unsuspecting buyers.
The National Retail Federation has seen a dramatic increase in organized retail theft, prompting Alabama to impose harsher penalties. Using an electronic device to turn off a security or alarm device, a cash register, an inventory control device, or other sales recording device during a theft can elevate the charges.
What Happens After You’re Accused?
If you are facing charges of retail theft, the police might issue you a citation, arrest you, or ask you to appear in court. Many people panic at this point, fearing what it means for their job, church community, or family.
Our clients often tell us they never thought they’d be in this position. They’re good folks who found themselves in a bad situation. We’re not here to judge, we’re here to help.
First-Time Offender? There May Be Hope.
If this is your first offense, you might qualify for pre-trial diversion programs. These programs let you do community service, attend classes, or meet other requirements. In return, your charges may be dismissed. These programs can help you avoid a conviction and keep your record clean.
Knowing the local system matters here. Attorney Hazzard’s relationships with Birmingham judges and prosecutors can make a meaningful difference when negotiating outcomes and advocating for second chances.
What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for You?
If you’ve been searching for “shoplifting lawyers near me” or “theft crimes lawyer,” you’re already doing the smart thing: trying to get ahead of this situation.
Here’s how experienced criminal defense lawyers like Attorney Wakisha Hazzard can help:
- Evaluate the Evidence: Were you correctly identified? Was there security or alarm device footage? Did loss prevention follow legal procedures? Were items removed with an alarm device attached? A criminal defense lawyer will evaluate all the evidence.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors: Because Attorney Hazzard has worked as a public defender and as a special judge in criminal cases, she understands the court from both sides and knows how to work with local prosecutors.
- Develop Defense Strategies: Your case needs tailored defense strategies. Whether that means proving you didn’t knowingly possess retail merchandise knowing it was stolen, or showing that someone else used your name or her identity, we will work to protect you.
- Pursue Dismissal or Reduction: A favorable outcome is possible, depending on your background and the specifics of the charge. We may be able to get your case dismissed, reduced, or sent through a diversion program to avoid a conviction.
Don’t Let One Mistake Define the Rest of Your Life. Protect Your Future with The Hazzard Law Firm
Whether your charge was a misunderstanding, a lapse in judgment, or part of a bigger personal struggle, we’re not here to shame you. We’re here to stand with you, fight for you, and help you move forward. We believe everyone deserves a shot at redemption and that one moment shouldn’t dictate your future.
At The Hazzard Law Firm, we know retail theft cases are often more complicated than they seem. And we’re committed to helping you navigate this legal process with grace, experience, and integrity.
Attorney Wakisha Hazzard doesn’t just know the law, she’s lived it from every angle. As a former public defender and special judge, she understands how the system works and how to fight for the people caught up in it.
When your job, family, and reputation are on the line, don’t settle for someone just checking boxes. Work with a team that sees the full picture and sees you as more than just a case file.
Navigate the legal hazards with experience you can trust. Contact us at (205) 521-7378(205) 521-7378 or complete our confidential online form to schedule a free consultation with our case evaluator. We’re ready to listen and prepared to fight for you.
Copyright © 2025. The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC
505 20th St North, Suite 1125
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 521-7378(205) 521-7378
https://www.hazzardfirm.com/
