St Charles Theft Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Shoplifting and Other Theft Crimes in Kane County

A conviction for theft or shoplifting may not seem detrimental to your overall criminal record, since it may seem like a minor offense that can be dealt with outside of the legal system. However, any form of theft may lead to criminal charges if the alleged victim contacts the authorities. A conviction for theft or retail theft can be damaging to your reputation and even your future if the charge is severe enough. Depending on the value of the goods or services that were allegedly stolen, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony, and you could be required to pay large fines and restitution, and you could even sentenced to spend time in jail.

At the law firm of Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we have over 40 years of experience navigating the Illinois criminal law system. We can walk you through your charges and advise you on the next steps to take. Whether you have been charged with retail theft or a more serious offense, we will help you find the best way to resolve your case in a favorable manner. We can also help you understand your options for expungement or record sealing so that these charges will not affect your future.

Theft Charges in Illinois

A criminal arrest or conviction for theft can be damaging to your future, However, not all theft crimes carry the same penalty under Illinois law. The type of theft you may be charged with depends on the value of the item stolen and the circumstances surrounding the incident. In general, the higher the value of the property, the more severe the penalty. In general, theft of goods or services worth less than $500 is a Class A misdemeanor offense, but theft of more than $500 will result in felony charges. If you are convicted of a felony, you may be sentenced to more than one year in jail, and the fines you may be required to pay will be higher, up to a maximum of $25,000.

Additionally, if the crime occurred at a school, church, or property that is owned by the government or a non-profit, the charges are more severe. These cases will typically result in more serious felony charges that carry longer prison sentences. The severity of the penalty may also depend on your criminal history. If you were previously charged with or convicted of theft or a related crime, such as robbery or burglary, the penalties for a second conviction will be more severe.

Shoplifting Penalties

Shoplifting is a type of theft that occurs when a person steals from a retail store or other business. Retail theft can be considered a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the item, the criminal history of the accused, whether an emergency exit was used in the theft, and other factors.

If you are accused of shoplifting, you can be charged with both civil and criminal penalties. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor crime, you will have a criminal record, and you could face up to one year in jail. If you are accused of stealing items worth at least $300 or using an emergency exit when engaging in retail theft, you will likely face felony charges. More serious felony charges may apply if you are accused of engaging in "organized retail crime," which involves working together with others to steal items with the intent of reselling them or engaging in violence or the destruction of property while committing retail theft. Civil penalties for shoplifting include paying back the full price of the item, as well as attorneys' fees and court costs.

Contact a Wheaton Theft Defense Attorney

Each theft or shoplifting case is different. If you have been formally charged with a theft crime, it is important to speak to a qualified attorney right away. Contact Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC by calling 630-665-7300. Our law firm serves clients throughout the DuPage County and Kane County area, including Wheaton, Naperville, Downers Grove, St. Charles, Elgin, Geneva, Aurora, Batavia, Elburn, and Barrington Hills.