Salt Lake Retail Theft Defense Attorney
A shoplifting conviction in Salt Lake City can start as a class B
misdemeanor.
But a
retail
theft charge can be filed as a
felony
if the
merchandise taken is more valuable or if the defendant has too many
prior
theft
convictions. While it may be tempting to view shoplifting
as a minor charge, the
consequences
of a conviction can be serious. An
experienced
criminal defense attorney can
help give you the best chance
of a positive outcome for your case. Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen
Howard has protected the rights of his clients in thousands of serious
misdemeanor and felony cases.
Contact us today to arrange
for an
initial consultation.
Legal Definition of Shoplifting

Shoplifting charges in Salt
Lake City are typically filed under the Utah criminal code section
76-6-602, which defines the acts constituting "retail theft." This
statute prohibits a variety of conduct, including changing price tags,
removing an item from its box or container, under-ringing of
merchandise by a cashier, and even removing a shopping cart from store
premises. Perhaps the most common form of retail theft occurs when a
person takes possession, conceals, carries away, or transfers
merchandise from a retail store, without paying for the
merchandise and with the intent to deprive the merchant of the value of
the merchandise.
One commonly held misconception regarding retail theft is that a
person cannot be charged with retail theft unless they leave the store
with the merchandise. This is not true. Utah law prohibits even taking
possession of merchandise, if the person has the requisite mental
intent and has not paid for the item. Of course, it is easier that the
person intended to commit retail theft if the person has left the store
without paying for the merchandise. But if the prosecutor can prove
that the person had the required intent, a theft charge is often filed
when the person did not leave the store before being "caught."
Do I need an attorney for a shoplifting charge?
Retail theft is often viewed as a relatively "minor" criminal charge.
But the effects of a conviction can be serious and long-lasting.
A
conviction for shoplifting can carry the potential for jail or prison
time, plus thousands of dollars in fines. Any criminal record can also
make it more difficult to find a job.
Expungement of a
retail theft charge is possible (assuming a person does not have too
many other convictions), but reducing the level of the offense or
obtaining a plea-in-abeyance dismissal can be important ways to shorten
the waiting period for expungement eligibility.
Having an
experienced criminal
defense attorney on your side can help you achieve the best results in
your case.
Finding a Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney
Class B
misdemeanor retail theft charges in Salt Lake City are typically filed
in the
Salt Lake City Justice Court. Felony or class A misdemeanor
charges for retail theft are filed in the district court. Regardless of
the level of the offense, the consequences are potentially serious. It
is important to consult with an
experienced
criminal defense attorney before making any decisions regarding your case.
Stephen Howard has defended
clients in theft-related cases ranging from shoplifting to aggravated
robbery, and virtually everything in between. His
track record includes
not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals in some of the
most serious crimes on the books in Utah.
Based in Salt Lake City, Mr. Howard offers legal services to clients
throughout Utah.
Contact
us today to arrange for an initial consultation.