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Retail Theft Defense Attorney - West Jordan, Utah

Prosecutions for shoplifting in West Jordan can be pursued in either the West Jordan City Justice Court, or the Third District Court for West Jordan. Which court the case will be filed in depends on the level of the offense. Retail theft as a class B misdemeanor is typically filed in the justice court. If the charge is filed as a class A misdemeanor or a felony charge, then the district court has jurisdiction over the matter. In either court, a conviction for shoplifting can carry serious consequences. Having the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney can give you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

What are the potential penalties for shoplifting in West Jordan?

Any retail theft charge carries the possibility of some jail time. But some shoplifting cases can be so severe as to involve the possibility of extended prison time.

The severity of most retail theft charges will be based on the value of the merchandise involved. Theft of merchandise valued at less than $500 can be filed as a class B misdemeanor, carrying the possibility of up to 180 days jail, and nearly $2,000 in fines and surcharges. Cases involving merchandise valued at $500 but less than $1,500 can be filed at the class A misdemeanor level, with potential penalties of up to one year in jail and $4,750 in fines and surcharges. Retail theft charges  involving merchandise valued at $1,500 or more can be filed as felonies, carrying the possibility of years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

Retail theft charges can also be enhanced to the felony level, regardless of the value of the merchandise involved, when the defendant has prior convictions for retail theft or other theft-related offenses (e.g. theft, burglary, robbery). Cases enhanced to the felony level based for a repeat offender should be defended carefully. Prosecutors and judges often take these cases seriously, and the consequences can be severe.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer for Shoplifting

Utah Criminal Charges Retail TheftIf you are facing criminal charges for retail theft, your case should be taken seriously. Utah criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has a track record that includes dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and appellate reversals in some of the most serious crimes on the books in Utah. Each case is unique, and no attorney can guarantee a specific result for your case. But an experienced attorney can help give you the best chance of obtaining a positive outcome to your case.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with Salt Lake criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard.

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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

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