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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

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

Selected Victories
Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client at trial.
Dismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the 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.

Recent Posts
What should I do if I am arrested for DUI? - Many DUI cases begin as minor traffic stops. But the consequences of a DUI conviction are much more serious than an ordinary traffic citation. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you have specific important constitutional and statutory rights that can protect your. . . .
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. . . .

The best outcome is more likely when the right strategy is employed. Developing the best strategy can require real courtroom experience, a thorough understanding of procedural and substantive legal issues, and a determination to ensure that important constitutional and other legal rights are protected. Choosing the right attorney....

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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....

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Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

A Utah criminal prosecution can result in a lifetime of consequences. Beyond jail and prison, a conviction can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, finances, family, and much more. Never plead guilty without first consulting with an experienced criminal attorney. Understanding what is at stake is the first step....

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Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

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 »

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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