Buffalo Grove, IL Retail Theft Attorney

Trusted Defense Lawyer for Shoplifting Charges in Lake County

Retail theft, or shoplifting, can seem like a minor crime, but it's not. Convictions for retail theft can have serious and lasting negative consequences. Depending on the value of the item stolen, shoplifting can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Convictions can result in fines and jail time. Additionally, retail theft is considered a "crime of moral turpitude," which can negatively impact citizenship status.

If you are arrested for retail theft, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we are experienced in handling misdemeanor and felony retail theft charges and know how to effectively defend and protect our clients. Our Buffalo Grove retail theft lawyer will be able to help you with your charges.

How Is Retail Theft Prosecuted in Lake County?

Retail theft charges in Lake County generally depend on the value of the merchandise involved and whether the person has any prior theft convictions. When the value of the merchandise is relatively low, retail theft is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry up to one year in jail and fines reaching $2,500.

The charge can be elevated to a felony when the value of the merchandise exceeds a certain threshold, or when the person has prior retail theft convictions. A felony retail theft charge can carry significantly harsher penalties, including years in prison rather than months in jail.

Prosecutors often rely on store surveillance footage, witness statements from employees or security personnel, and any recovered merchandise to build their case. Prior theft convictions can also be used to argue for a harsher sentence if the current charge results in a conviction.

Defenses Against Retail Theft Charges in Illinois

Several defenses may apply depending on the specific facts of a retail theft case. One common defense involves challenging the store's evidence, including surveillance footage that may be unclear, incomplete, or misinterpreted by security staff.

Lack of intent is another possible defense, since the state must prove that the person intended to permanently deprive the store of the merchandise. A person who forgot to pay for an item, was distracted, or had a reasonable misunderstanding about the transaction may have a valid defense.

Our attorney can review the store's evidence, witness statements, and the circumstances of the arrest to determine which defenses may apply to your case.

Personalized Criminal Defense Representation for Retail Theft

Many criminal defense attorneys apply a one-size-fits-all mentality to defending their clients. At The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C., we understand that the circumstances surrounding any shoplifting arrest are unique, and we tailor our defense strategies to match those circumstances. Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt takes the time to listen to his clients and works with them to build an effective case. We make sure our clients are always informed and can actively participate in their defense.

As a former criminal prosecutor, Mr. Gebhardt is a tough litigator and is always prepared to take a case to trial. Wherever possible, however, we look for opportunities to have cases dismissed and charges dropped or reduced. Our goal is to get you through this embarrassing event with as few consequences as possible. If you are ultimately sentenced to court supervision, we may also be able to help you have the arrest wiped from your criminal record through expungement.

Meet With a Buffalo Grove, Illinois Retail Theft Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been arrested for retail theft, contact our Buffalo Grove retail theft defense attorney or call 847-239-4703 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. From our Buffalo Grove office, we serve clients throughout Lake and DuPage Counties. From just a small sampling of our files, we are currently representing individuals from Arlington Heights, Barrington, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Highland Park, Glenview, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Mundelein, Niles, Northbrook, Park City, and Round Lake Beach.