What happens if you are charged with retail theft?

Similarly, even though you are still within the confines of the store, if you conceal the merchandise, you may be convicted of retail theft. A charge of retail theft may be either a municipal ordinance violation, a misdemeanor criminal charge or, potentially, a felony criminal charge.

When did retail theft become a felony in Illinois?

The new statute is 720 ILCS 5/16-25 which became effective on January 1, 2012. This article also encompasses the changes from 2011 that increased the cutoff for misdemeanor retail thefts from $150 to $300. Shoplifting is a serious crime in Illinois and the law imposes harsh penalties on anyone who is caught stealing from a store.

What makes theft of goods worth less than £200 an offence?

Section 176 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act makes theft from a shop, of goods worth £200 or less (retail value), a summary-only offence, while preserving the right of defendants to elect to be tried by judge and jury in the Crown Court.

What’s the maximum penalty for retail theft in PA?

Retail theft is charged as a summary offense in first offense cases, and the value of the item taken is less than $150. A summary offense has a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail.

What happens if you get charged with retail theft?

You will be charged with a misdemeanor retail theft if the amount that you stole is less than $300. Retail theft is a class A misdemeanor that carries the potential punishment of up to 364 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2500.

When is retail theft a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania?

(ii) Misdemeanor of the second degree when the offense is a second offense and the value of the merchandise is less than $150. (iii) Misdemeanor of the first degree when the offense is a first or second offense and the value of the merchandise is $150 or more.

What’s the penalty for retail theft in Illinois?

Sentencing for retail theft depends on the dollar amount of the goods that were taken. The law used to be more severe that it is today. Prior to 2011, if the value of the items was $150 or less, then the offense was a Class A misdemeanor. The possible sentence included up to one year in jail and fine of $2,500.

What are the different types of theft charges?

What Are Different Types Of Theft Charges? The minimum type of theft charge is called, “Petty Larceny,” which means stealing something up to the value of $1,000. This frequently happens when people go places like departmental stores and take clothing, jewelry, or things of that nature.

When do you go to arraignment for a misdemeanor?

That appearance is called an arraignment (more on this shortly). When charged with a misdemeanor you may or may not be arrested and brought to jail at the time of the citation. Some charges, such as those for DUII, require individuals to be arrested and brought to jail no matter the circumstance.

What happens if you are charged with shoplifting for the first time?

Generally, a first offense shoplifting charge will be issued as a municipal ordinance violation. For such convictions, there is no possibility of a jail sentence. It is not a criminal offense. Rather, the court may impose only a civil forfeiture.

When does theft become a misdemeanor in Texas?

Class A Misdemeanor Theft. Theft is a class A misdemeanor in Texas if the value of the property or services stolen is $500 or more but less than $1,500. ( § 31.03(e)(3).) The punishment for a class A misdemeanor in Texas is a sentence of confinement in jail for a term of no more than one year, a fine of not more than $4,000, or both. ( § 12.21.)

Retail theft is charged as a summary offense in first offense cases, and the value of the item taken is less than $150. A summary offense has a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail.

What happens if you get charged with a misdemeanor?

Some of the most common questions I receive as an attorney at law in Portland are ones regarding the misdemeanor legal process. While being charged with a misdemeanor crime is not nearly as serious as a felony, it still can have a major effect on your day-to-day life.