Shoplifting Defense Attorney in Skokie

Retail Theft lawyer in Evanston and Chicago

Shoplifting is a type of theft crime. A person commits shoplifting when he or she steals or tries to steal an item from a store. Sometimes people think that shoplifting is a "victimless" crime, because of a belief that a big department store can afford an occasional loss from shoplifting. Anybody who has been arrested for shoplifting, however, can tell you that this is not the case. Shoplifting, or retail theft, as it is called in Illinois, is a serious charge that can have many negative consequences.

A shoplifting or retail theft case can be either a felony or a misdemeanor charge in Illinois.  A misdemeanor shoplifting case involves a theft of less than $150 in merchandise. Any retail theft over $150 can be charged as a felony offense, carrying a minimum prison sentence of one year.  Effective January 1, 2011, the minimum amount will change to $300.

If you are arrested for shoplifting, or retail theft, and you have a prior theft conviction in your criminal background, then your case may be upgraded to a felony charge, even if the amount of the retail theft was less than $150!

At Pfeifer and Pfeifer, many of our clients came to us with a shoplifting case, and it was their very first arrest ever. The law firm of Pfeifer and Pfeifer understands how nervous and frightened you must feel if you have been charged with shoplifting. But rest assured, we have substantial experience handling shoplifting and retail theft cases. Whether you have a case in the Skokie courthouse or another courthouse in Cook County, Pfeifer and Pfeifer has the experience required for your case. Pfeifer and Pfeifer has handled shoplifting cases throughout Chicago, including all of the branch courts and suburban courthouses. We will take the time to go over your case with you and explain what will happen in court. If you are nervous and would prefer to end the case quickly, our attorneys can assist you. We can represent you in a cost effective manner to help you put the matter behind you. We can also discuss your expungement options to keep your criminal record clean.

Pfeifer and Pfeifer has substantial trial experience. After reviewing your side of the story and the other side, if we decide that it would be in your best interest to go to trial, you can feel confident in our ability to successfully defend you. Our firm will obtain the necessary reports and security video, if available, to conduct a thorough investigation with an eye towards winning the case.

The bottom line is this: if you have recently been arrested for shoplifting, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Pfeifer and Pfeifer is a law firm that you can count on to protect your rights.

Please call the law firm of Pfeifer and Pfeifer for a confidential consultation in our office about your shoplifting or retail theft case. The initial consultation is free.