As a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago, it seems that every day I get calls from potential clients who have been arrested for retail theft, or what you may call shoplifting. Most of the people are very nice and are quite embarrassed. These men and women are also concerned about the potential consequences of an arrest for retail theft offense. To be honest they should be, it can be quite trying. For any of you out there considering taking merchandise from a retail store without paying for the items, don’t do it! For those that have already been arrested for shoplifting / retail theft crime, then the following summary will provide a look at what may lie ahead.
In Illinois, retail theft is defined as taking items offered for sale in a retail store without paying the full price of the items. The most common violation of this law involves individuals that conceal items and then walk out of the store without paying for the items. Some individuals pay for some items while concealing and not paying for other items. A less common violation involves switching of price tags, and then paying a price lower than the store offers the item for sale. Though they may seem like minor crimes, all of these violations are criminal offenses and can lead to arrest, prosecution, and even county jail.