Chicago Retail Theft Lawyer

Retail Theft (Shoplifting) Charges & Penalties

If you have been charged with retail theft or shoplifting in Chicago, you need to move fast and retain aggressive legal representation to ensure the protection of your rights. This charge can result in jail time and a fine. Most importantly, a conviction will go on your record and can affect future job opportunities. At the Law Offices of Howard J. Wise & Associates we offer committed and effective representation for clients charged with retail theft and shoplifting. Our purpose is to help you get through this matter to the most favorable result possible, using our extensive experience of both sides of criminal proceedings. We urge you to contact a Chicago criminal lawyer for the help you need.

Retail theft is the unauthorized taking of property from retail stores by either customers or employees of the store. Where the amount taken is less than $300, it is a misdemeanor with a jail sentence of up to one year and fine of up to $2,500. If the amount taken is $300 to $10,000, it becomes a Class 3 felony with a possible sentence of five years and fine of up to $25,000.

Shoplifting Defense Attorney in Chicago

We at the firm thoroughly review the evidence, looking for holes in the prosecutor's case. We examine the circumstances of the arrest and any client statements made to the police for violations of constitutional rights. Where there have been violations, we move to suppress evidence. Once evidence is thrown out, shoplifting charges are typically dismissed. As former prosecutors, we know how the system works and what to expect from prosecutors. We put that knowledge to use to fight our clients' retail theft and shoplifting charges. As a result we have gotten many clients' charges dismissed and enjoy a superior reputation in the legal community for dedicated service to our clients.

Contact a Chicago retail theft lawyer at our offices for the help you need - and deserve!