Consult with a Arlington Heights Theft Crime Attorney
You may be tempted to think that shoplifting is a minor offense, but the truth is that this is a theft crime that can be prosecuted very harshly. Not only are you facing fines, potential jail time, and a mark on your record, but you could also be sued by the merchant for property losses. If you have been accused of shoplifting, it's crucial for you to get an experienced Arlington Heights theft crime attorney on your side who can build an effective defense to help reduce or even dismiss your charges.
Ready to fight your shoplifting charges? Contact us today!
At Wierenga | Chiapelli, our team of professionals provide unique and result-driven defense strategies that are tailored to your particular case. With 24/7 availability, we are fully committed to providing the highest caliber of legal advocacy at all times for our clients. We can thoroughly examine and analyze the accusations made against you to determine the best possible defense plan.
What penalties could I be facing?
In Illinois, shoplifting is defined as intentionally taking away, depriving, or switching merchandise, as well as tampering with price tags. You may also be charged for knowingly buying or selling shoplifted goods. It is important to note that shoplifting crimes are punishable under criminal and civil penalties, which means you could be facing serious repercussions. Your sentencing will depend on a number of circumstances, such as the worth of the item taken, whether you have any previous offenses, and how the merchant chooses to respond.
For example, you may face the following penalties for:
- Shoplifting less than $300 worth of property: Class A misdemeanor carrying up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in jail.
- Shoplifting $300+ worth of property: Class 3 felony carrying up to $25,000 in fines and between two to five years in jail.
You could also face civil liability for the retail value of the shoplifted item, as well as the attorney fees and court costs for the merchant. They may be able to pursue between $100 and $1,000 in compensation for damages.
Building a Strong Defense in Your Behalf
Shoplifting can be a difficult crime to pinpoint, which means many individuals are often wrongly accused of this offense. Others may simply be caught in the middle of a poor decision, one that should not plague them for the rest of their lives. Our Arlington Heights shoplifting attorney can review your case to determine how to best clear your name and defend your future. Whether that means negotiating a plea bargain, challenging evidence, or pursuing pretrial diversion program, we work to achieve the best possible option for our clients.
At Wierenga | Chiapelli, we are compassionate about protecting our client's rights and fighting for favorable legal outcomes. Our founding attorney is a former prosecutor, giving him inside knowledge and in-depth experience on how the legal system works and the prosecution handles cases like yours.