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
If 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.
RELATED CRIMINAL DEFENSE TOPICS
Jail time, prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and the lifetime collateral consequences of having a criminal conviction on your record - all of these and more are at stake when you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah. Understanding what is at risk is critical. Even so-called "minor" misdemeanor cases can have serious consequences....
Consequences
»
Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can help you....
Reasons to Hope
»