Learn what retail theft and shoplifting charges mean and how they can affect your record.
Learn what retail theft and shoplifting charges mean and how they can affect your record.
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 shoplifting laws and equip yourself with one of the most experienced shoplifting lawyers in Utah.
If you're facing criminal or DUI charges, don't wait. Branson West offers free, confidential consultations to help you understand your rights, the charges against you, and what steps to take next. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Utah court system, Branson provides honest, straightforward legal insight, whether you choose to move forward with him or not.
Unless you are legally required to inform your employer upon any infraction of the law, you are not required to report it. Remember, a DUI charge is not a conviction. With the help of an aggressive and experienced Utah DUI attorney, you may avoid conviction or better yet, beat the DUI charge completely. Ultimately, it may be better to wait for the outcome of your DUI case to avoid putting strain on your employee/employer relationship. Contact Branson K. West, Utah's top DUI attorney, to schedule your first hearing for free and to discuss your case with no obligation.
When people get pulled over for a DUI in Utah, one of their main concerns is whether they will have to serve additional jail time beyond the time served after a DUI arrest in Utah. The answer depends on the circumstances, prior offenses, plus more. The most important thing to remember is DO NOT PLEAD GUILTY TO YOUR UTAH DUI CHARGE! It is crucial that you fight your Utah DUI aggressively with a DUI attorney in Utah who has the knowledge, experience, and compassion for your Utah DUI charge and situation. Call 801-285-5550 immediately for a free Utah DUI case review and protect your rights and freedom.
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest and number of offenses, you may be ordered to attend a driver's educational series program and/or undergo alcohol treatment which can run anywhere from 4 to 50 hours. An experienced DUI attorney can help you negotiate the best possible outcome for your DUI case in Utah. Contact Branson West Law Firm to learn more about Utah DUI penalties or to schedule a free DUI case review.
If you are convicted of a Utah DUI, you will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. The amount of time you are required to keep the ignition interlock device varies depending on your age, number of DUI offense and any violations related to the device.
The Miranda rights for each citizen and non citizen are guaranteed by the United States Constitution. They are not required to be issued by police at the time of arrest. If this happens, your attorney may ask that any statements made to the police not be used against you in a Utah Court.
These rights include:
An arrest can be frightening and stressful. Don't hesitate to call 801-285-5550 for a free and confidential consultation or to get all your questions about your rights answered.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.