Dupage County Retail Theft

Get an Experienced and Aggressive Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for retail theft, also known as shoplifting, you are going to need the best criminal defense lawyer in town. Read on to find out how we can help.

Have you been arrested for retail theft in DuPage County or Chicago, Illinois? If your answer is yes, then you are going to need an attorney who specializes in retail theft and is familiar with the laws regarding retail theft in the State of Illinois. If so, you’ve come to the right place. At the Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we will handle your case with aggressively and with confidentiality. Regardless of how bad your retail theft case might be, having an experienced attorney by your side to guide you and provide the proper representation could increase your chances of getting a favorable verdict.

Shoplifting is a Serious Crime, You Need a Serious Attorney

In Dupage County, as in other areas in the state of Illinois, the police prosecute retail theft and shoplifting, especially because of the large number of shoplifting that takes place in retail stores every year. While shoplifting means taking any item in a retail store that does not belong to you, it also includes tampering with the price tags of items in a retail store to obtain them for a lower price. Besides that, even an accidental incident or a misunderstanding could lead to a person having to deal with possible criminal charges. There are also many cases in which psychological issues are at play, which require swift care rather than punishment. If you find yourself charged with retail theft, then it is imperative that you immediately consult a professional retail theft attorney.

Why You Need a Retail Theft Attorney?

In many cases, a person who has been arrested for retail theft is scared and confused about what to do next. If you’ve been arrested on charges of retail theft in Dupage County, then you are going to need an experienced attorney who specializes in these charges and will zealously fight your case in court to avoid a conviction. Once you choose us, we can help you get answers to all your concerns. Our Dupage County retail theft attorney is responsive, considerate and will always return your calls promptly. If you’ve been arrested for shoplifting then there’s no need to waste any more time, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Can Retail Theft Be Considered a Misdemeanor?

For taking items valued below $300, retail theft is charged as a misdemeanor. But, both a theft plea or a conviction could lead to some serious problems for you down the line and can also hinder your chances of employment or to obtain a professional license. Besides that, if the shoplifting incident involves items that are of a higher value, or if it’s a repeat offense, then felony charges could be filed, which can lead to imprisonment. Regardless, of your situation, when it comes down to getting the proper defense for a retail theft case, you are going to need an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Will I go to Jail for Retail Theft?

This will depend on various factors, such as the value of the items alleged to have been removed from the store, the presence of any criminal background, mitigating factors and other factors pertaining to the arrest. Under Illinois Retail Theft laws, 720 ILCS 5/16-25, the harshness of the penalty will mainly depend on whether or not the person being accused of retail theft has been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense. The value of what is taken will determine whether the court will charge a person with a felony or a misdemeanor. In the State of Illinois, a person arrested for retail theft can be charged with a misdemeanor if the value of the items taken is less than $300, and will be charged with a felony if the value exceeds $300.

Theft Diversion Programs

There are some counties in Illinois that offer a Theft Diversion Program, otherwise known as Deferred Prosecution, which can be negotiated with the help of an experienced retail theft attorney. Under the Theft Diversion Program, if the defendant agrees to comply with the terms of the program, upon successful completion, the prosecutor can then dismiss the charges of retail theft that have been brought up against the accused. This is an opportunity for the defendant to avoid any conviction and possible jail time. But, again, only an experienced attorney who specialized in retail theft will be able to guide you through this process. Since cases of shoplifting are prosecuted very seriously in Dupage County, you need to contact a professional attorney who will defend your position during the court proceedings.

Retail Theft is not a Minor Offense

The biggest mistake a person who has been charged with retail theft can make is to assume that shoplifting is a minor offense. Even for first time offenders, depending on the value of the items that were stolen, being charged with retail theft can have a dramatic impact on one’s future, especially when you take into account the heavy fines, classes, and possible jailtime that may follow if you do not have the right retail theft attorney to represent your case.

Serving Residents of Dupage County and its Surrounding Areas

We serve residents of Wheaton, Batavia, Oak Brook and the surrounding areas in Dupage County, as well as the greater Chicago area, including Skokie, Maywood, Bridgeview, and Markham, and we are here for you. If you or a loved one has been arrested for shoplifting in Dupage County or its surrounding areas then it is important to protect yourself and your future by contacting a The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg.

Contact Us Today

If you have any questions regarding shoplifting laws in the State of Illinois please feel free to contact us our Chicago office at (312) 560-7100 or dial our toll-free number (800) 803-1442 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 for your convenience.