If you or a loved one has been arrested for retail theft, contact our firm today to schedule an in-office consultation with our Chicago retail theft attorneys. Our phone number is (312) 466-9466.
The most common type of theft is retail theft (also known as shoplifting). A person commits this crime by taking property from a merchant with the intent to permanently deprive the merchant of the benefit or use of the property and without paying for the property. One form of retail theft is altering or switching the price tags on merchandise. Another form is when a sales person or cashier intentionally charges less or "under rings" the merchandise. Yet another form of retail theft is just walking out of the store without paying for the merchandise taken.
The retail theft statutes are very favorable to stores. There is a presumption that anyone who conceals merchandise is stealing. There is also a presumption that a person who removes merchandise past the point of purchase has the intent to steal the item. If an alleged shoplifter causes bodily harm to store personnel who are detaining him he will be charged with felony Aggravated Battery. See 720 ILCS 5/12-4(15). In addition, a sentence of supervision cannot be expunged for five years after the conclusion of the sentence, as opposed to two years for most crimes.
The Law Office of Steven R. Hunter has defended many types of retail theft. Sometimes a distracted shopper forgets to pay for something and only to be swarmed on by store security. Other times the person has actually paid for the merchandise. Our office defended a case in which the cashier mistakenly rang up the wrong price. To see what defenses may be available to you, call today to schedule an office consultation.
Under select circumstances, those with retail theft charges can elect to participate in Deferred Prosecution, a program in which a defendant agrees to fulfill requirements of a 12-month probationary period. If all requirements are completed, the retail theft charges will be dropped. For more information on Deferred Prosecution, and to see if you are eligible for this program, visit More Information on Deferred Prosecution
These cases are examples of the work we have done in defending those who have been charged with retail theft. Please be aware that every case is unique and every client has special circumstances. It is unethical for an attorney to guarantee any particular outcome.