EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE


SALT LAKE CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

RETAIL THEFT / SHOPLIFTING

Based in Salt Lake City, Intermountain Legal provides exceptional criminal defense counsel to clients throughout Utah. Our extensive experience includes representing individuals accused of retail theft or shoplifting. Contact an experienced attorney today for a free consultation.  Call 801-970-2800 or email us.

Shoplifting Charges In Utah

Shoplifting is generally defined as taking an item without paying for it or intentionally paying less than retail price. In other words, carrying, concealing, or otherwise modifying any merchandise out of a store with the intent to steal it qualifies as shoplifting, for example:

  • Modifying or switching price tags
  • Putting a higher priced item in the box of a lower priced item
  • Eating food in a store and not paying for it at checkout
  • Committing refund fraud
  • Intentionally using an illegal form of payment

You can be prosecuted for acting with intent to shoplift even if the act was not fully carried out, which means charges may be filed if a business suspects you intended to steal an item, but you never actually removed the item from the premises.

Penalties for Shoplifting & Retail Theft

In Utah, shoplifting under $300 worth of merchandise is classified as a class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and a possible fine of up to $1,000. If the value of the property taken is more than $300, the offense may be charged as a class A misdemeanor or even a felony if the property is valued at more than $1000. Along with the value of the goods stolen, potential penalties also depend on the defendant’s background and criminal history and the place in which the crime occurred.

Fighting Shoplifting Charges is Worth the Time & Effort

Too often, people charged with retail theft or shoplifting plead no contest and accept probation in order to avoid legal fees and put an embarrassing situation behind them as quickly as possible. However, this decision may actually cause them to revisit the incident for years to come. More than ever, employers conduct exhaustive background checks, and a retail theft or shoplifting conviction is reason enough to not hire someone.

Our Salt Lake City lawyers know how to mitigate the consequences of an arrest, and help clients seek alternatives to a conviction, such as civil compromise with the store, informal diversion, and conditional dismissal. Especially for first offenders, the charge may be reduced to an infraction, which means no criminal record.

Seek Experienced, Strong Defense Representation

If you have been charged with shoplifting, contact Intermountain Legal to talk to an experienced defense attorney. During your free initial consultation, we will discuss your options and provide valuable insight into your situation and best course of action.

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STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.

STEVEN K. BURTON

As a former prosecutor Steven gained an intimate knowledge of various Domestic Violence Courts, DUI courts and other criminal court programs and procedures. He has spent over 3,500 hours in court and has argued more cases than most attorneys do in a lifetime. For more on Steve's experience, click here.

 
JUSTIN PRATT

Attorney Justin S. Pratt handles all types of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DUI-related charges. He believes that someone who is charged with a crime deserves the specialized attention of an attorney who will protect his client's rights by taking the time to examine constitutional issues, important factual circumstances, and any other crucial factors that may be relevant to the case. For more on Justin's experience, click here.

 
MARK LAROCCO

Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. For more on Mark's experience, click here.

 
JACKIE REIDELBERGER

Jackie is a skilled trial attorney and negotiator who specializes in criminal defense. Her work ethic and genuine concern for her clients has given her a reputation for outworking and out-preparing opposing attorneys so she can negotiate from a position of strength and fight the cases that need to be fought. Because she cares about her clients, she considers each client’s specific needs and concerns in order to reach the best possible outcome in their case. For more on Jackie's experience click here.

 
HAYLI DICKEY

Hayli is a skilled attorney who specializes exclusively in family law. She is known as a “spitfire” attorney but with a personable personality. Because of her excellent reputation and track record of success in Utah courts, she was heavily recruited by multiple law firms. She joined Intermountain Legal because of the firm’s dedication to giving personal attention to each client and to providing excellent legal representation in every case. For more on Hayli's experience click here.