What to Expect After a Shoplifting Arrest in Orlando: A Step-by-Step Guide

By: John Guidry II

In Central Florida, we call shoplifting “petit theft,” and a charge for it is a scary thing. While many are misdemeanors, people can and do go to jail depending on the circumstances and the judge. More importantly, a theft conviction, even without jail, will absolutely kill future employment opportunities.

Now that we’ve covered the scary lawyer disclaimers, let’s dig into what’s really involved in a shoplifting case and how we build your defense.

Arrested for Petit Theft in the Orlando Area? The legal process can be confusing and overwhelming. Don’t navigate it alone. Call my office for a clear defense plan. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

Step 1: Analyzing the Evidence

Shoplifting cases almost always involve video evidence. Large retailers like Walmart and Target have multiple camera angles on every self-checkout lane, and high-value areas like cosmetics and jewelry are under constant surveillance. The first thing we do as defense attorneys is obtain and analyze this footage to see if the video actually supports the claims made by the store’s loss prevention officers. What they claim happened and what the video shows are often two different things.

Step 2: Handling the Court Process (And How to Avoid It)

A criminal case involves a series of court dates: Arraignment, Pretrial Conferences, Docket Soundings, Status Conferences, Trial Management Conferences, and more. The good news is that for most petit theft cases, you will not have to attend any of them. As your attorney, I can file a “Waiver of Appearance” and attend these hearings on your behalf. This saves you from missing work, finding childcare, and spending hours in a crowded courtroom. Frankly, this service alone is often worth the price of admission.

Step 3: Working Towards a Dismissal

Even though I can handle the court appearances for you, getting your case dropped or resolved favorably will likely require some work on your part. To earn a dismissal, you will probably need to complete a few conditions, such as:

• The Anti-Theft Class: This is the most common requirement. It’s typically an 8-hour “impulse control” class that, as you might guess, teaches you not to steal. Sometimes, you can get by with the 4-hour class.
• Community Service: A small number of community service hours may also be required.

Step 4: The Final, Crucial Step – Erasing Your Record

This is the most important part of the entire process. Many attorneys will get your charges dismissed and you’ll think it’s over, but the public record of your arrest will still be there for anyone to see. A dismissal is not enough. Your case must be sealed or expunged to completely erase it from public view. It is absolutely worth it to take this final step and secure your future. We have a new automatic sealing law that, if your case is dropped, the clerk is “supposed to” seal your case. Unfortunately, they’re not doing it like they should, so make sure you don’t ignore this crucial step.

I’m John Guidry. If you’re facing a petit theft or shoplifting charge in Orange, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, or Osceola County, give me a call. I am confident we can help you navigate this process and fight for the best possible outcome.

If you’d like more information on petit theft and shoplifting in Central Florida, but you’re sick of reading articles like this, why not watch a few YouTube videos to learn more? You should check out “Shoplifting for the First Time? 3 Possible Outcomes You Need to Know” and “Caught Shoplifting? Here’s What You Need to Do Immediately.”

About the Author, John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.