Can I be charged with shoplifting in Utah for something my friend stole?
If you are in a store with a friend, and your friend steals something, you run a real risk of being charged with retail theft (shoplifting). Depending on the circumstances, under Utah law retail theft can be filed as a minor misdemeanor or a felony charge carrying potential prison time.In Utah prosecutions for retail theft, there are several ways that a person can be charged with a crime for something that someone else actually stole. Utah law contains a provision under which you may be prosecuted for the conduct of another person if you acted intending to help, encourage, request, or otherwise assist another person in committing a crime. Under Utah law, this kind of criminal responsibility is sometimes called "party" liability or "accomplice" liability.
For example, if police were convinced that you helped a friend conceal merchandise so that your friend could steal it, you could be charged with shoplifting. If police believed that you were acting as a lookout so that a friend could sneak merchandise out of the store undetected, you could be charged with shoplifting.
If you are charged under Utah's accomplice liability (party liability) statute, you can be charged with exactly the same crime and level of offense that the principle actor is charged with. Of course, just being charged with a crime does not mean that you are guilty. Utah's accomplice liability statute requires that the prosecution prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted with the intention of somehow assisting or contributing to the other person's criminal conduct. If you are in a store with a friend, and you are not aware that your friend has stolen anything, then you are not guilty of a crime.
If you have been charged with a crime in Utah for something that someone else did, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has successfully defended clients in cases ranging from homicide to shoplifting, and virtually everything in between. His track record speaks for itself.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. See the difference an experienced attorney can make in your case.
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Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for alleged attack using broken bottle as a weapon. Despite the testimony of numerous prosecution witnesses, thorough defense investigation to support a self-defense claim resulted in acquittal by jury at trial.
Dismissed - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. Case was dismissed.
Released - Client absconded for more than 10 years from felony probation with
Adult Probation and Parole. At an order to show cause hearing, prosecutor argued aggressively for prison. Based on effective mitigation efforts by the defense, the judge agreed to release client without further jail.
Dismissed - Client
facing first-degree felony charge and possible life in prison for child
kidnapping. Full defense
analysis of the case revealed critical legal flaws in the prosecution's case. When confronted with the defense legal analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case outright without trial.
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How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .
Successfully defending against criminal prosecution requires more than just an 'aggressive' defense. The best defense attorneys understand that a sophisticated defense requires a thorough understanding of a variety of nuanced legal issues, real experience in the courtroom, good negotiation skills, and much more. Fighting hard is good. Fighting smart is better....
Strategy »
With decades of combined experience, our criminal defense team attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and determination to help you achieve the results you need. Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can have serious consequences. Choosing the best attorney to defend your case may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make....
Experience »
Even a single misdemeanor conviction in Utah can result in extended jail time and substantial fines. The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can last a lifetime. Whether you are facing misdemeanor prosecution in a justice court or more serious felony charges in the district court, obtaining advice and assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney is....
Consequences »
Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. But just being charged can affect more than you may have imagined - jail, job, family, bills, rent or mortgage. It can feel like everything has gone wrong, and may you wonder if anything can go right. But facing criminal prosecution does not mean giving up hope....
Reasons to Hope »
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Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.
Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041
Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.
In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.
Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041
Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.
In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.
Stephen W. Howard, PC
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