Chicago Shoplifting Crime Attorney

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If you have been arrested for shoplifting in Chicago, you need to act quickly. The state of California takes this crime very seriously, even if it is your first offense. For a minor shoplifting crime, you can be convicted of a misdemeanor, which can result in jail time, probation, and/or fines. If this is your second offense, you can be charged with a felony and face much harsher penalties, including prison time.

At Website Examples _ General Legal, our Chicago shoplifting crime attorneys can help defend you against these charges. We will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. We understand that this is a serious matter, which is why we will treat you with respect and provide you with the personalized service you deserve.

What Is Considered Shoplifting in California?

Under California law, there are two types of shoplifting crimes: petty theft and grand theft. These crimes are determined by the value of the property that was allegedly stolen. If the value of the property is less than $950, it is considered petty theft. If the value of the property is $950 or more, it is considered grand theft.

Petty theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or an infraction, depending on the circumstances:

• If the value of the property is less than $400 and the defendant has no prior theft convictions, it is an infraction
• If the value of the property is less than $400 and the defendant has one prior theft conviction, it is a misdemeanor
• If the value of the property is less than $400 and the defendant has two or more prior theft convictions, it is a misdemeanor

Grand theft can be charged as a felony, depending on the circumstances:

• If the value of the property is $950 or more and the defendant has no prior theft convictions, it is a felony
• If the value of the property is $950 or more and the defendant has one prior theft conviction, it is a felony
• If the value of the property is $950 or more and the defendant has two or more prior theft convictions, it is a felony

Being charged with shoplifting can be a very frightening experience. You may be wondering what the penalties are for this crime and if you will be able to get your life back on track if you are convicted. If you are facing charges for shoplifting, our Chicago shoplifting crime attorneys can help.

Penalties for Shoplifting in California

As previously mentioned, the penalties for shoplifting in California depend on the value of the property that was allegedly stolen and the defendant's prior theft convictions. The penalties for a first offense shoplifting crime are typically the same as the value of the property that was allegedly stolen.

Petty theft:

• If the value of the property is less than $400, the crime is an infraction and punishable by a $250 fine
• If the value of the property is between $400 and $950, the crime is a misdemeanor and punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• If the value of the property is between $950 and $50,000, the crime is a misdemeanor and punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000
• If the value of the property is greater than $50,000, the crime is a felony and punishable by up to 3 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000

Petty theft with a prior theft conviction:

• If the value of the property is less than $400 and the defendant has one prior theft conviction, the crime is a misdemeanor and punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
• If the value of the property is less than $400 and the defendant has two or more prior theft convictions, the crime is a misdemeanor and punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000
• If the value of the property is between $400 and $950 and the defendant has one prior theft conviction, the crime is a misdemeanor and punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000
• If the value of the property is between $400 and $950 and the defendant has two or more prior theft convictions, the crime is a felony and punishable by up to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $20,000
• If the value of the property is between $950 and $50,000 and the defendant has one prior theft conviction, the crime is a felony and punishable by up to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $20,000
• If the value of the property is between $950 and $50,000 and the defendant has two or more prior theft convictions, the crime is a felony and punishable by up to 3 years in jail and a fine of up to $20,000
• If the value of the property is greater than $50,000 and the