Retail Theft Lawyers in Illinois

Retail theft, generally known as “shoplifting” is the theft of merchandise from a store or business establishment. In Illinois, retail theft may be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, resulting in a wide range of possible sentences and fines.

If the value of the property stolen is less than $150, the retail theft is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or fines up to $2,500. However, if the person has previously been convicted of theft, robbery or burglary in Illinois, the sentence may be increased to a Class 4 felony. A Class 4 felony is punishable by up to 3 years in prison. If the value of the property stolen is greater than $150, the retail theft is classified as a Class 3 felony. A Class 3 felony is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Further effecting retail theft sentencing is whether the person uses the emergency exit while committing the theft. If the value of the property stolen is less than $150 and the person uses the emergency exit, the sentence is increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony. If a person has prior theft, robbery or burglary convictions in Illinois, the sentence may be increased to a Class 3 felony. If the value of the property stolen is greater than $150 and the person uses the emergency exit, the sentence increases from a Class 3 felony to a Class 2 felony, which is punishable by up to 7 years in prison.

So what is a real life example of retail theft? If you went in to a convenience store and put a pack of gum in your pocket, you could get charged with misdemeanor retail theft. That one dollar pack of gum could lead to a $2,500 fine and a year in jail. It’s not probable you’d end up in jail if it is a first time offense, but certainly possible.

On the other hand, if you manage to walk out of a store with a flat screen TV or something else of great value, if you get convicted jail time is a real possibility even if it is your first offense.

We highly recommend that anyone charged with retail theft contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer that has a track record of success in defending retail theft charges and regularly appears in the court you are charged in. Any conviction of retail theft can remain on your criminal record forever which is why it is important for you to under no circumstances, even if you already admitted you did it, plead guilty without first consulting with an attorney. If you have been arrested for retail theft and would like our help please contact us and we will make an attorney recommendation for you based on the specifics of your situation.