Edward C. Weber
Edward C. Weber Akron Criminal Defense Attorney
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Ohio SHOPLIFTING
Petty Theft · Grand Theft
Law · Penalties · Charges

Akron Criminal Defense Attorney

SHOPLIFTING

By all definitions, Shoplifting is considered a crime and comes with penalties. Shoplifting is stealing something from a store. The legal term for Shoplifting is Petty Theft. You shoplift if you intend to take something that doesn't belong to you from a store without paying for it, and you do so, or try to. Shoplifting also includes switching labels on merchandise in order to get a better price for your purchases. All Shoplifting charges come with consequences. Shoplifting is considered a serious crime, depending on the value of the property stolen and/or the criminal record of the defendant. In most cases, first offenses such as Shoplifting are punishable by a small fine and 1 year of informal probation, even for a teen or juvenile offender. In some cases, a first offense of Shoplifting can be reduced to an infraction thus eliminating any criminal record.

SHOPLIFTING IS PETTY THEFT

Generally referred to as Shoplifting, Petty theft is the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property permanently. Petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor if it is a first offense, and the value of the property stolen is valued between $50 and $400. Petty theft can be punishable by a fine of up to $400 or by imprisonment in County jail for up to 6 months, or both. Petty Theft can be charged as a felony on your second offense under Penal Code section 666. A second conviction of Petty Theft can carry a maximum sentence of 16 months in state prison. Not all courts will charge a second Petty Theft as a felony. In fact, many courts do charge a second Petty Theft as a misdemeanor, depending on the value of the property taken and the time that has lapsed since the prior Petty Theft.

SHOPLIFTING CAN BE GRAND THEFT

Grand Theft is committed when the money, labor, real or personal property take is valued at more than $400. Grand Theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony and is punishable by up to one year in county jail or 16 months in state prison. Depending on the value of the goods stolen, shoplifting can be considered either Petty Theft or Grand Theft.

FACTS ABOUT SHOPLIFTING
  • Shoplifting is America's #1 property crime

  • 1 in 11 people shoplift

  • 25% of these shoplifters are children

  • Shoplifters steal over $20 billion worth of goods from retailers each year

  • Shoplifters are vigorously prosecuted in Akron County

IS THERE A DEFENSE TO SHOPLIFTING?

No. Most Shoplifting charges (including Petty Theft and Grand Theft) are proven by evidence through the store video camera, loss prevention staff, security staff, or other witnesses. The specific intent of the person who committed the crime does not need to be proven. In most instances, you cannot use mental illness, medication, drug or alcohol related problems as an excuse for Shoplifting. If the case of Shoplifting is a factually weak one (for example, few witnesses), it is possible that these charges can be reduced to a trespass charge or dismissed altogether.

CONTACT AN ATTORNEY WHO CAN HELP WITH
SHOPLIFTING, PETTY THEFT, GRAND THEFT

If you are charged with Shoplifting, Petty Theft, or Grand Theft, you must speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Edward C. Weber can properly evaluate and analyze your Shoplifting case. Petty Theft and Grand Theft charges require the legal expertise and negotiating abilities of a skilled criminal defense attorney. In the event there is a conviction, an experienced attorney is your best chance to take advantage of jail alternatives such as counseling and probation. Our Shoplifting attorneys will discuss your rights and possible defenses in order to have your Petty Theft or Grand Theft charges reduced or dismissed. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION.

The Law Office of Edward C. Weber defends individuals who have been accused of Shoplifting (including Petty Theft and Grand Theft) in the Akron area.

MY PHILOSOPHY

“I specialize in Criminal Law and commit to the presumption of innocence.
I am an aggressive attorney who fights hard for my clients. I dedicate the necessary resources to provide the best possible results. As each case is unique, my defense strategy is tailored accordingly. I believe in my clients.

As a result, my clients believe in me. With every case, I am fully prepared to go to trial. My persistence, honesty, and ability to get along with prosecutors and judges prove beneficial to my clients. After thoroughly reviewing all documents, facts, witness statements, and evidence, all potential defenses are considered. I educate my clients and involve them in their case and own defense. A practical attorney, I am direct with my clients about their chances of winning at trial and other options. I know the stakes are high.”

Edward C. Weber, Attorney at Law

 

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Some of the terms that pertain to our practice include but are not limited to: dui, child abuse, identity theft, drunk driving, fraud, domestic violence, grand theft, felony, kidnapping, narcotic, robbery, misdemeanor, restraining order, arrest warrant, theft, hit and run, vandalism, arson, traffic charges, shoplifting, stalking, embezzlement, burglary, extortion, bench warrant, expungement, assault and battery, terrorist threat, sex offenses, solicitation, probation violation, suspended license, carjacking, gun weapon, attempted murder, petty theft, alternative sentencing, lewd conduct, drug possession, clear criminal records, juvenile offense, seal juvenile records, prostitution, rape.