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
- Do I need an attorney for an arraignment hearing in Utah?
- How do I choose the best criminal lawyer for my case?
- Are there ways to keep a shoplifting charge of my record in Utah?
- Can I be charged with shoplifting if I never left the store?
- Can I be charged with shoplifting if I took something by accident?
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Offenders
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Offenders
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Clients
- What to Expect in Court
- Potential Penalties
- Reasons for Hope
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- Felonies / Misdemeanors
- District / Justice Courts
- Jury Trials / Bench Trials
- Pleas in Abeyance
- Expungements
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Crimes
- Selected Victories
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.
Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
Not Guilty - Client was charged with second-degree felony residential burglary and facing potential prison time. Investigation by the defense revealed multiple witnesses, missed by police and prosecutors, who supported client's claim of innocence. At trial, the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict on all charges.
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Aggressive is good. Effective is better. The best defense strategy in any given criminal case can require in-depth analysis of the facts and a thorough understanding of applicable statutes, case law, and complex procedural and evidentiary rules. Having an experienced attorney on your side....
Strategy »
Defending against a criminal prosecution in Utah is a job that has to be done right the first time. Choosing the right attorney to defend you can be the most important decision you make. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor charges on the books in Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, we can help....
Experience »
Even a "minor" misdemeanor carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. The direct penalties and collateral consequences of a felony conviction are even more severe. Understanding these consequences is critical as you make decisions relating to your case. Even in a misdemeanor case, you should not....
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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