Chicago Retail Theft & Shoplifting Attorneys

Ensuring Your Voice Is Heard

Any type of retail theft or shoplifting is viewed very harshly by Illinois law. In many cases, a shoplifting scenario might have been a complete accident, or at worst an impulsive action that will never happen again. However, in the eyes of the law, such behavior still must receive serious consequences. In order to prevent future offenders, both prosecutors and police officials, as well as the store managers themselves, will seek to enforce the highest form of penalties.

While the desire to stop theft is understandable, the punishments are often given out too quickly, without due consideration of the effect it will have upon the defendant. Such charges and convictions leave a permanent record that will prevent you from getting a job or a house. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek a powerful Chicago retail theft and shoplifting lawyer from Quintana Law Group, LLC.

Contact us now at 630-566-2042 when you have been unfairly accused of a retail or shoplifting theft.

A Summary of Shoplifting & Retail Theft Laws in Illinois

Most people think that theft simply means that a person has taken an item without paying for it. This behavior is certainly included in retail theft but does not compose the entirety of the law’s prohibited actions. While there is one primary rule against retail theft in Illinois, known as 720 ILCS 5/16-25, there are also many specific examples of what would count as stealing from a retail business.

Some of the most common offenses include:

• Changing the price tag of an item or its bar code to pay less than the value which has been set by the retail merchant
• Jamming the security alarms by using a blocking device, so that an item is not scanned for its full price
• Not turning in an item after its expected return date and following the 10 days where a merchant has demanded, with writing, the property’s return
• Bringing back an item which the person does not actually own in order to use a false receipt for illegal gain, whether in terms of money or property exchange
• Utilizing an emergency exit door to steal property without fully paying for it

The Impact of a Retail Theft Conviction

No matter whether you have been charged with the “least” harmful conviction, such as a Class A misdemeanor, or a higher-class felony, you deserve the right to powerful legal representation. The consequences of being convicted of shoplifting or retail theft can be long-lasting, and even permanent. In addition to steep fines, court fees, probation, and even incarceration, you may lose the ability to retain a job or purchase a house.

Countering Unfair Charges

Too often, prosecutors charge the maximum punishment for a minor act that might have been resolved with a simple repayment. In many other cases, the defendant might be entirely innocent, but is still forced to face a permanent record of shame and suffering. No matter what scenario has occurred to you, it is crucial to get the aid of a dependable Chicago retail theft and shoplifting attorney before it is too late.

Call us today at 630-566-2042 or contact us online because Quintana Law Group, LLC is ready to aggressively fight for your rights.