The question represents people’ seek for authorized professionals specializing in protection in opposition to accusations of shoplifting, petty theft, or grand theft from business institutions, particularly these situated inside an inexpensive geographic proximity to the searcher. This search time period signifies a necessity for fast authorized help in navigating the complexities of retail theft costs.
The provision of accessible authorized counsel specializing on this space is essential for safeguarding particular person rights and making certain a good authorized course of. Understanding the costs, potential penalties, and accessible protection methods is important. Traditionally, entry to native authorized assets has been a cornerstone of justice programs, making certain people are usually not deprived by distance or ignorance.
The next sections will delve into the specifics of retail theft legal guidelines, the function and tasks of protection legal professionals in these circumstances, elements to think about when deciding on authorized illustration, and methods to organize for a session with authorized counsel.
1. Native Experience
The idea of “native experience” is intrinsically linked to the effectiveness of “retail theft legal professionals close to me.” A lawyer’s familiarity with the native authorized panorama considerably impacts their capacity to defend shoppers successfully. This encompasses extra than simply data of state statutes; it extends to an understanding of native court docket procedures, prosecutorial tendencies, and relationships throughout the authorized neighborhood.
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Familiarity with Native Courts
Native courts usually have distinctive procedural guidelines and casual practices that may considerably affect the end result of a case. A lawyer aware of these nuances can navigate the system extra effectively, making certain compliance and avoiding potential pitfalls. For instance, realizing the particular necessities for submitting motions or presenting proof in a selected jurisdiction can expedite the authorized course of and strengthen the consumer’s protection.
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Understanding of Prosecutorial Tendencies
Every district lawyer’s workplace operates with its personal priorities and approaches to prosecuting circumstances. A lawyer with native experience understands the standard charging choices, plea bargaining methods, and sentencing suggestions employed by the native prosecutors. This information permits them to anticipate the prosecution’s strikes and develop a protection technique that’s tailor-made to the particular circumstances of the case and the inclinations of the prosecuting lawyer.
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Relationships throughout the Authorized Group
Established relationships with judges, prosecutors, and different authorized professionals can facilitate smoother negotiations and more practical communication. Whereas moral concerns all the time prevail, a lawyer with a robust skilled community could also be higher positioned to advocate for his or her consumer and attain a good decision. This isn’t to recommend any impropriety, however reasonably that mutual respect and understanding can streamline the authorized course of.
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Data of Native Loss Prevention Practices
Retail institutions inside a selected geographic space might make use of related loss prevention methods and applied sciences. A lawyer aware of these practices can higher assess the proof offered by the prosecution, establish potential weaknesses of their case, and problem the validity of the accusations. Understanding the widespread strategies used to detect and apprehend suspected shoplifters might be essential in constructing a robust protection.
In essence, native experience supplies retail theft legal professionals with a major benefit in representing their shoppers. This localized data enhances their capacity to navigate the authorized system successfully, perceive the prosecution’s method, and construct a sturdy protection technique tailor-made to the particular circumstances of the case and the native authorized setting. Selecting illustration from an area lawyer can due to this fact enhance the probability of a good consequence.
2. Legal Protection Focus
The specialization in legal protection is a crucial consideration when deciding on “retail theft legal professionals close to me.” A devoted focus ensures the lawyer possesses the requisite data and expertise to navigate the complexities inherent in legal proceedings, providing a definite benefit over basic practitioners.
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In-Depth Understanding of Legal Regulation
Attorneys specializing in legal protection possess a complete understanding of legal statutes, guidelines of proof, and constitutional rights. This information base is crucial for constructing a robust protection in opposition to retail theft costs, which may fluctuate in severity and carry important penalties. A lawyer centered on legal protection is best outfitted to establish potential authorized challenges, reminiscent of illegal searches or coerced confessions, that will weaken the prosecution’s case.
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Negotiation Expertise with Prosecutors
Legal protection legal professionals routinely have interaction in plea negotiations with prosecutors. Their expertise in these negotiations permits them to advocate successfully for diminished costs, different sentencing choices, or dismissal of the case altogether. A lawyer with a robust monitor report in legal protection is extra more likely to safe a good consequence for the consumer by way of strategic negotiation.
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Trial Expertise and Advocacy
Whereas many legal circumstances are resolved by way of plea agreements, the flexibility to successfully litigate a case at trial is a vital asset for a protection lawyer. A lawyer with important trial expertise is ready to current a compelling protection to a choose or jury, problem the prosecution’s proof, and defend the consumer’s rights all through the trial course of. This readiness demonstrates a dedication to attaining the very best consequence, even within the face of difficult circumstances.
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Staying Present with Authorized Developments
Legal regulation is consistently evolving by way of legislative adjustments and judicial interpretations. Attorneys with a devoted deal with legal protection prioritize staying abreast of those developments to make sure their shoppers obtain probably the most up-to-date and efficient illustration. This dedication to steady studying permits them to adapt their methods and arguments to the ever-changing authorized panorama.
The focus on legal protection, due to this fact, equips legal professionals with specialised expertise and data important for successfully representing people accused of retail theft. This focus supplies a transparent benefit over basic practitioners and enhances the probability of a optimistic decision to the case.
3. Expertise with Shoplifting
The correlation between an lawyer’s “Expertise with Shoplifting” and the search time period “retail theft legal professionals close to me” is a direct perform of anticipated competence and case consequence. People in search of authorized illustration for shoplifting offenses inherently need counsel aware of the particular authorized and factual nuances related to these costs. An lawyer’s prior expertise shapes their capacity to successfully consider proof, anticipate prosecutorial methods, and advise shoppers on life like outcomes. As an illustration, a lawyer who has dealt with quite a few shoplifting circumstances in a selected jurisdiction is probably going aware of the loss prevention protocols of native retailers, the charging practices of the district lawyer’s workplace, and the sentencing tendencies of the native judges. This familiarity interprets to a extra knowledgeable and strategic protection.
Think about the sensible instance of a first-time offender accused of shoplifting a low-value merchandise. An skilled lawyer understands that pre-trial diversion applications or civil compromise agreements are sometimes accessible in such circumstances. They’ll proactively negotiate with the prosecutor to safe one in all these options, thereby avoiding a legal conviction for the consumer. Conversely, in a case involving allegations of organized retail theft or repeat offenses, the stakes are considerably greater. Right here, a lawyer’s expertise in dealing with complicated theft circumstances, together with navigating potential felony costs and multi-state investigations, turns into essential. Their familiarity with investigative methods, forensic accounting, and asset forfeiture legal guidelines might be instrumental in constructing a sturdy protection.
In conclusion, “Expertise with Shoplifting” is a elementary element when evaluating “retail theft legal professionals close to me.” This expertise immediately impacts the standard of authorized illustration and the probability of a good consequence. People dealing with retail theft costs ought to prioritize deciding on an lawyer with a confirmed monitor report in dealing with related circumstances inside their native jurisdiction. The sensible significance of this understanding is evident: a educated and skilled lawyer can considerably mitigate the potential penalties of a shoplifting accusation.
4. Free Preliminary Session
The provide of a “Free Preliminary Session” when looking for “retail theft legal professionals close to me” represents a crucial first step in securing authorized illustration. It’s a preliminary assembly the place potential shoppers can talk about the specifics of their case, perceive their authorized choices, and assess the lawyer’s suitability for his or her wants.
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Case Analysis and Data Gathering
The first perform of a free session is to permit the lawyer to judge the consumer’s case, collect important info, and assess the potential authorized challenges. The lawyer will usually ask detailed questions in regards to the circumstances surrounding the retail theft incident, together with the worth of the merchandise, the proof in opposition to the consumer, and any mitigating elements. This analysis helps the lawyer decide the energy of the prosecution’s case and formulate a preliminary protection technique. For instance, understanding if the consumer was unlawfully detained or if there have been errors within the retailer’s surveillance footage is essential for constructing a protection.
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Rationalization of Authorized Rights and Choices
The session supplies a possibility for the lawyer to clarify the consumer’s authorized rights and choices below the regulation. This contains discussing the potential costs, penalties, and protection methods accessible. The lawyer will usually clarify the distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony theft cost, the potential penalties of a conviction (e.g., fines, jail time, a legal report), and the varied protection methods that could be relevant. As an illustration, the lawyer would possibly clarify the potential for in search of a deferred adjudication or a pre-trial diversion program, which might consequence within the costs being dismissed upon profitable completion of sure necessities.
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Evaluation of Lawyer-Consumer Compatibility
The free session permits each the lawyer and the consumer to evaluate whether or not they’re a very good match for one another. The consumer can consider the lawyer’s data, expertise, communication model, and total demeanor. Conversely, the lawyer can decide whether or not they have the assets and experience to deal with the case successfully. This mutual evaluation is essential for establishing a robust attorney-client relationship constructed on belief and open communication. If the consumer feels uncomfortable with the lawyer or lacks confidence of their skills, they’re free to hunt illustration elsewhere.
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Monetary Concerns and Price Constructions
The session additionally supplies a possibility to debate the lawyer’s charges and fee choices. Attorneys usually cost both an hourly charge or a flat payment for his or her providers. The lawyer ought to clearly clarify their payment construction and any related prices, reminiscent of court docket submitting charges or skilled witness charges. This transparency permits the consumer to make an knowledgeable resolution about whether or not they can afford the lawyer’s providers. Some attorneys might also provide fee plans or settle for bank cards to make authorized illustration extra accessible.
The “Free Preliminary Session,” when in search of “retail theft legal professionals close to me,” serves as a gateway to understanding the authorized complexities and potential pathways ahead. By facilitating a direct dialogue about case specifics, authorized rights, and monetary implications, this providing allows knowledgeable decision-making, in the end resulting in a extra empowered method to navigating the challenges of a retail theft accusation. The chance to judge and choose counsel that aligns with particular person wants and circumstances reinforces the significance of this preliminary engagement.
5. Popularity & Evaluations
The importance of “Popularity & Evaluations” when in search of “retail theft legal professionals close to me” can’t be overstated. In an setting the place knowledgeable decision-making is paramount, publicly accessible suggestions and assessments function very important indicators of an lawyer’s competence, moral conduct, and consumer satisfaction.
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Authenticity and Reliability of Data
The credibility of on-line evaluations is a main concern. Verifying the supply and on the lookout for patterns throughout a number of platforms enhances the reliability of the knowledge. Real evaluations provide insights into an lawyer’s communication model, courtroom demeanor, and dedication to their shoppers. Fabricated evaluations, then again, can distort the true image. Inspecting the consistency of optimistic and damaging feedback throughout numerous overview websites is a vital step in discerning genuine suggestions from manufactured reward or unwarranted criticism.
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Indicators of Competence and Experience
Evaluations incessantly spotlight particular expertise or attributes of an lawyer, reminiscent of their negotiation skills, data of related legal guidelines, or consideration to element. Testimonials from earlier shoppers dealing with related retail theft costs can present useful reassurance. For instance, a overview praising an lawyer’s capacity to safe a good plea discount or efficiently problem proof in court docket immediately speaks to their competence in dealing with such circumstances. These real-world accounts provide concrete proof of an lawyer’s capabilities past mere claims of experience.
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Moral Conduct and Professionalism
An lawyer’s popularity extends past their authorized acumen to embody their moral requirements {and professional} habits. Evaluations might make clear their responsiveness, integrity, and dedication to consumer confidentiality. Cases of unethical conduct, reminiscent of neglecting circumstances or failing to speak successfully, are crimson flags that shouldn’t be ignored. Conversely, optimistic suggestions relating to an lawyer’s professionalism and moral requirements reinforces their reliability and trustworthiness.
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Consumer Satisfaction and Communication
In the end, the consumer’s expertise with an lawyer is a key indicator of their total effectiveness. Evaluations usually specific sentiments relating to the lawyer’s communication expertise, empathy, and talent to maintain shoppers knowledgeable all through the authorized course of. A lawyer who communicates clearly, listens attentively, and demonstrates real concern for his or her consumer’s well-being is extra more likely to obtain optimistic evaluations. This side of the popularity immediately displays the attorney-client relationship and the extent of help offered throughout a aggravating and difficult time.
By diligently scrutinizing “Popularity & Evaluations,” people in search of “retail theft legal professionals close to me” can achieve a extra nuanced understanding of potential authorized illustration. This analysis course of acts as a vital safeguard, empowering people to make knowledgeable choices primarily based on verified info and real-world experiences. Subsequently, neglecting the evaluation of popularity and evaluations is a disservice to the significance of creating sound choices relating to your illustration and freedom.
6. Inexpensive Fee Plans
The provision of “Inexpensive Fee Plans” is a vital consideration for people looking for “retail theft legal professionals close to me.” The sudden nature of retail theft costs usually coincides with monetary pressure, making the price of authorized illustration a major barrier to accessing competent protection.
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Accessibility of Authorized Companies
Inexpensive fee plans democratize entry to authorized providers, making certain that people dealing with retail theft costs are usually not deprived as a consequence of monetary constraints. These plans enable for the price of illustration to be distributed over a interval, decreasing the fast monetary burden. With out such choices, people could also be compelled to forgo authorized counsel, doubtlessly resulting in unfavorable outcomes in court docket.
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Predictable Budgeting and Monetary Planning
Structured fee plans present readability and predictability in budgeting for authorized bills. Realizing the precise quantity due every month permits people to handle their funds extra successfully, avoiding the stress and uncertainty related to massive, sudden authorized payments. This stability allows shoppers to deal with their protection technique with out the fixed fear of fast monetary hardship.
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Lowered Incentive for Self-Illustration
The affordability of fee choices diminishes the attract of self-representation, which is usually ill-advised in legal circumstances. Navigating the complexities of the authorized system requires specialised data and expertise that almost all laypersons lack. Inexpensive fee plans encourage people to hunt skilled help, thereby rising the probability of a good and simply consequence.
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Variations in Fee Plan Constructions
Authorized professionals might provide various fee plan buildings, every tailor-made to accommodate various monetary circumstances. These can embrace installment plans, diminished hourly charges for shoppers with restricted means, or contingency payment preparations in particular circumstances. Understanding the accessible choices permits people to decide on a plan that aligns with their price range and monetary capabilities.
The implementation of “Inexpensive Fee Plans” serves as an important bridge, connecting people dealing with “retail theft” accusations with competent authorized protection. This accessibility fosters a extra equitable authorized system, making certain that monetary obstacles don’t impede entry to justice. The provision of varied choices supplies larger flexibility and promotes accountable monetary planning amidst authorized challenges.
7. Emergency Authorized Recommendation
The necessity for fast authorized counsel incessantly arises in retail theft circumstances. Conditions reminiscent of on-site apprehension, questioning by regulation enforcement, or imminent arrest underscore the significance of “Emergency Authorized Recommendation” when in search of “retail theft legal professionals close to me.” The trigger is usually the shock and confusion of being accused, resulting in actions that may prejudice one’s protection. The impact of immediate recommendation is to safeguard authorized rights and forestall self-incriminating statements.
Think about a state of affairs the place a person is detained by retailer safety and pressured to signal a confession. With out fast authorized steerage, that individual would possibly unknowingly waive rights or present info that strengthens the prosecution’s case. “Emergency Authorized Recommendation” allows a person to grasp their rights the fitting to stay silent, the fitting to authorized illustration and to claim these rights successfully. The lawyer can intervene to make sure correct procedures are adopted, mitigating potential injury and starting to construct a protection technique. The sensible utility entails contacting an lawyer instantly upon dealing with such circumstances, making certain that authorized protections are invoked from the outset.
In abstract, entry to “Emergency Authorized Recommendation” is a crucial element when in search of “retail theft legal professionals close to me,” offering fast safety of authorized rights and stopping actions that would negatively affect the case. The importance lies in minimizing injury and establishing a basis for a robust protection from the second an accusation arises. The problem stays in readily figuring out and contacting certified authorized professionals outfitted to offer such fast help; assets facilitating this connection are invaluable.
8. 24/7 Availability
The idea of “24/7 Availability” when in search of “retail theft legal professionals close to me” is especially related as a result of unpredictable nature of authorized emergencies. Incidents resulting in retail theft costs don’t adhere to straightforward enterprise hours; due to this fact, entry to fast authorized counsel is usually important.
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Instant Response to Arrest or Detention
Retail theft accusations can result in fast arrest or detention, requiring swift authorized intervention to guard particular person rights. An lawyer with “24/7 Availability” can present steerage throughout this crucial interval, advising on interactions with regulation enforcement and stopping self-incrimination. The immediate response can guarantee due course of is adopted and proof is correctly preserved.
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Steering Throughout Police Questioning
Following a retail theft incident, people might face questioning by law enforcement officials. Offering statements with out authorized counsel might be detrimental to the protection. An lawyer accessible “24/7” can provide fast steerage on the fitting to stay silent and the significance of getting authorized illustration current throughout questioning. This ensures the person is knowledgeable and protected against inadvertently harming their case.
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Preservation of Proof and Witness Statements
The fast aftermath of a retail theft accusation is essential for gathering and preserving proof. An lawyer with “24/7 Availability” can promptly advise on securing witness statements, documenting the scene, and preserving any related proof that will help the protection. This proactive method might be very important in constructing a robust case and difficult the prosecution’s narrative.
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Mitigation of Potential Injury
Immediate authorized intervention can mitigate potential injury to a person’s popularity, employment, or private life following a retail theft accusation. An lawyer accessible “24/7” can advise on managing public notion, speaking with employers, and taking steps to attenuate the damaging affect of the costs. This proactive method may also help defend the person’s pursuits and forestall additional hurt.
In abstract, “24/7 Availability” considerably enhances the worth of “retail theft legal professionals close to me.” It supplies a vital security internet, making certain fast entry to authorized experience throughout instances of disaster and uncertainty. The flexibility to seek the advice of with an lawyer whatever the hour might be instrumental in safeguarding rights, stopping self-incrimination, and mitigating potential injury related to retail theft accusations. This fixed availability demonstrates a dedication to consumer safety and underscores the significance of choosing authorized counsel with this functionality.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
The next questions tackle widespread considerations relating to retail theft costs and the function of authorized counsel.
Query 1: What constitutes retail theft, and the way does it differ from different theft offenses?
Retail theft particularly entails the taking of merchandise from a retail institution with the intent to completely deprive the proprietor of its worth. It’s usually differentiated from different theft offenses by the situation of the crime and the particular intent to steal from a retailer.
Query 2: What are the potential penalties for retail theft convictions?
Penalties fluctuate primarily based on the worth of the stolen merchandise and any prior convictions. Misdemeanor costs usually carry fines, neighborhood service, and potential jail time. Felony costs, reserved for higher-value thefts or repeat offenders, might contain important jail sentences and substantial fines.
Query 3: What defenses are generally employed in retail theft circumstances?
Frequent defenses embrace mistaken identification, lack of intent to steal, illegal search and seizure, and procedural errors within the arrest or proof assortment. The particular protection technique will depend on the distinctive circumstances of every case.
Query 4: Is it attainable to have retail theft costs dismissed or diminished?
Dismissal or discount of costs is feasible, significantly for first-time offenders or circumstances with weak proof. Attorneys might negotiate with prosecutors for different resolutions reminiscent of diversion applications or civil compromise agreements.
Query 5: What’s the function of a retail theft lawyer in defending in opposition to these costs?
A retail theft lawyer supplies authorized steerage, investigates the case, negotiates with prosecutors, and represents the consumer in court docket. The lawyer’s goal is to guard the consumer’s rights and obtain the very best consequence.
Query 6: When is the suitable time to contact authorized counsel after being accused of retail theft?
The optimum time to contact authorized counsel is instantly after being accused of retail theft. Early intervention permits the lawyer to guard the consumer’s rights, advise on interactions with regulation enforcement, and start constructing a protection technique.
These incessantly requested questions present foundational data relating to retail theft and authorized illustration. Consulting with certified counsel is crucial for addressing particular case particulars.
The next part explores assets for locating authorized help in retail theft circumstances.
Navigating Retail Theft Accusations
The next tips are meant to offer useful insights for people dealing with accusations of retail theft. Understanding these factors can considerably affect the authorized course of and potential outcomes.
Tip 1: Train the Proper to Stay Silent: It’s crucial to invoke the fitting to stay silent instantly upon being accused. Any statements made to regulation enforcement or retailer safety can be utilized in opposition to you in court docket. Defer all communication till authorized counsel is current.
Tip 2: Keep away from Altering the Scene: Don’t tamper with any proof or try to change the scene of the alleged theft. Such actions might be construed as obstruction of justice and additional complicate the authorized state of affairs. Go away the whole lot as it’s and permit authorized counsel to evaluate the circumstances.
Tip 3: Doc All the pieces: As quickly as attainable, doc all particulars associated to the incident, together with the date, time, location, names of people concerned, and a complete account of the occasions. This info will help authorized counsel in constructing a sturdy protection.
Tip 4: Safe Witness Data: If any people witnessed the occasions, acquire their contact info if attainable. Witness testimony might be essential in establishing innocence or mitigating the severity of the costs. Present this info to authorized counsel for follow-up.
Tip 5: Chorus from Social Media Communication: Keep away from discussing the case on social media platforms. Any on-line posts or messages can be utilized as proof in opposition to you. Keep strict confidentiality relating to the main points of the accusation.
Tip 6: Collect Related Documentation: Accumulate any documentation that could be related to the case, reminiscent of receipts, retailer maps, or safety footage. This info may also help authorized counsel assess the energy of the prosecution’s case and establish potential defenses.
Tip 7: Search Instant Authorized Counsel: Essentially the most crucial step is to hunt fast authorized counsel from an lawyer skilled in retail theft circumstances. A professional lawyer can defend your rights, advise you on the most effective plan of action, and characterize you all through the authorized course of.
These tips emphasize the significance of defending one’s rights, preserving proof, and in search of fast authorized help. Adhering to those ideas can considerably enhance the possibilities of a good consequence in a retail theft case.
This concludes the important steerage part. The next info supplies assets for locating authorized assist.
Retail Theft Attorneys Close to Me
The exploration has comprehensively addressed the multifaceted concerns concerned in in search of “retail theft legal professionals close to me.” The choice course of necessitates cautious analysis of native experience, legal protection focus, expertise with shoplifting circumstances, availability of free preliminary consultations, popularity, reasonably priced fee plans, and entry to emergency authorized recommendation. These elements collectively affect the standard of authorized illustration and potential case outcomes.
Navigating retail theft accusations calls for knowledgeable decision-making and proactive engagement with authorized counsel. The results of such costs might be important, underscoring the significance of securing competent and readily accessible authorized help. People dealing with these accusations are inspired to make the most of the insights offered to safeguard their rights and pursue a simply decision. Well timed authorized intervention stays paramount.
