Utah Retail Theft Lawyer
"I have fought over 5,000 charges in every city in Utah." - Branson K. West
Find Experienced Shoplifting Lawyers in Utah
Economic downturns and difficult financial times often lead to an increase in shoplifting cases. While the term “shoplifting” often calls to mind hiding merchandise to carry it out of the store, there are various actions that fall under the definition of retail theft. If you or a loved one is facing charges, it’s important to understand the details of retail theft laws and equip yourself with an experienced retail theft lawyer in Utah.
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Branson West Law is experienced with the following areas of violent crime cases:
Defining Retail Theft
Taking merchandise out of a store without paying for it is shoplifting, but there are other activities that can also be charged as retail theft. In Utah, retail theft encompasses actions that seek to pay less than an item’s true price or to take an item without paying at all.
This includes:
- Causing a sales device or cash register to display a lower price than an item’s true price, also called under-ringing
- Changing the packaging or display of an item in order to pay for a lower-priced item but take a higher-value one
- Removing, transferring or altering a price tag
- Purchasing or attempting to purchase an item with an altered or transferred price tag
- Removing a shopping cart from the premises of the retail establishment
- Hiding merchandise
This is not an exhaustive list of all actions that can be charged as retail theft. If you are facing charges, the best way to proceed is to reach out to a lawyer who can assist with your specific case.
Possible Charges and Penalties for Retail Theft and Shoplifting
In Utah, the category and possible penalties for retail theft and shoplifting depend on the value of the stolen items and the other circumstances of the incident. In general, possible charges and penalties are as follows:
- Class B misdemeanor: Retail theft of merchandise valued at less than $500 can result in a Class B misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Class A misdemeanor: If the stolen merchandise is valued between $500 and $1,500, the offender may face a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Third-degree felony: If a person is convicted of two theft charges within ten years or if stolen merchandise is valued between $1,500 and $5,000, the crime is usually tried as a third-degree felony. This can come with penalties of up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
- Second-degree felony: If the offender is armed with a weapon, if the items stolen are firearms or vehicles, or if the stolen merchandise totals more than $5,000, the offense will likely be charged as a second-degree felony. Penalties for second-degree felonies include up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
At any level, shoplifting and retail theft convictions can carry lifelong consequences. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to preserve your quality of life and protect your rights.
Working With a Qualified Shoplifting Attorney
Facing retail theft and shoplifting charges is no small matter. Regardless of the value of the merchandise stolen or the circumstances of the incident, there are serious penalties on the line. Having an experienced attorney like Branson West Law by your side to help you navigate the legal processes and the complexity of Utah laws is the best way to protect yourself and your rights.
With more than 16 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, Branson West Law knows how to handle your case.
Call today for a free consultation.
