DuPage County Shoplifting Defense Attorneys

Defending Clients From Convenient Offices in Lombard, Bloomingdale, and Naperville

Each year, hundreds of individuals are arrested for retail theft or shoplifting. People arrested for these offenses come from all types of backgrounds, including businessmen, housewives, students, and professionals. In many cases, need and lack of money are not the underlying reason for stealing.

With 3 locations throughout the Chicago area, the criminal defense attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices provide skilled representation to clients facing shoplifting or retail theft charges. Each county in Illinois, including Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, McHenry County, and Will County, handles these offenses differently, so it is important to work with a lawyer who understands how cases will be handled in a particular court and who can provide guidance on the best defense strategies.

Call 630-932-9100 for a free confidential consultation with an Illinois criminal defense lawyer to discuss your options after an arrest for shoplifting or retail theft.

Penalties for Retail Theft in Illinois

A shoplifting offense may result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the value of the items that were allegedly stolen and the circumstances surrounding the incident. If the value of the merchandise was less than $300, a person may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, and if convicted, they may be sentenced to up to one year in prison and fined up to $2,500. Theft of less than $150 of motor fuel is also a Class A misdemeanor.

Felony charges may apply in cases involving alleged theft of merchandise that exceeds these amounts. Theft of over $300 of merchandise or $150 of motor fuel may be charged as a Class 3 felony, which may result in a prison sentence of three to five years. Theft by emergency exit of less than $300 is a Class 4 felony with a sentence of one to three years, and if more than $300 of merchandise is stolen through an emergency exit, Class 2 felony charges will apply, and a person may be sentenced to between three and seven years. All felonies may also result in a maximum fine of $25,000.

Why You Should Retain an Experienced Local Criminal Defense Attorney

By securing representation from a local criminal defense firm like Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, you can be sure you will understand the options the court may be willing to provide you. For example, some counties may offer second chance programs that provide educational classes meant to ensure that you will avoid theft-related crimes in the future. We will explain your options and make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions during your case.

With our help, you may be able to save your job or avoid a criminal record. Our attorneys are former prosecutors who understand how cases involving retail theft are handled. For example, Brad Giglio was a Cook County prosecutor for more than seven years. He uses his knowledge to not only provide you with a quality defense, but also to ensure that you will be able to take the proper steps to minimize the consequences you may face.

Note: Alternatives and options may also be available for other crimes, such as some drug cases.

Contact an Experienced Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

For additional information about shoplifting or theft crimes, or to discuss your particular situation, please schedule a free confidential consultation by calling 630-932-9100. You can also fill out our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you. Your future is too important to trust to less experienced attorneys.