DuPage County Shoplifting Defense Lawyers

Effective Legal Representation Against Allegations of Retail Theft

While you might presume that retail theft from a local department store is “no big deal,” a conviction can have a significant impact on your future. If the value of the merchandise is $300 or less, you will usually face a misdemeanor criminal charge. A conviction of shoplifting can be considered a crime “moral turpitude”, so it can impact professional licensing eligibility, future career opportunities and immigration status. When the value of the goods stolen have a higher value or you have prior convictions, you could face a felony charge and potential incarceration in jail or prison.

At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we often hear from people who accepted the first plea offer from the prosecutor many years ago but now find that their decision is damaging their ability to obtain a potential job or career advancement. Even if you are convicted of a first offense that involves less than a hundred dollars in merchandise, a misdemeanor conviction will result in a criminal record that can be discovered with a basic criminal records search by future employers and landlords. Misdemeanor convictions of retail theft also will carry other forms of punishment that include potential jail time, costly fines, classes, probation and other forms of punishment.

Our DuPage County shoplifting attorneys understand the serious consequences of a misdemeanor or felony theft conviction. We conduct a thorough investigation of alleged retail theft allegations, which includes scrutinizing the police report, assessing statements from store employees and security personnel, reviewing video surveillance footage and analyzing other evidence. Our founding partner Donald Ramsell has been widely recognize as a top criminal defense attorney, garnering the ranking of “Illinois Leading Lawyer in Illinois Criminal Appeals” and an “Illinois Leading Lawyer in Criminal-DUI Defense” by Crane Magazine. He also has been honored as an “Illinois Super Lawyer” by Chicago Magazine.

Protecting People from False Allegations and Overzealous Loss Prevention Officers

If you are confronted by a store security guard and asked to come back into the store, it is important to understand that store security personnel are not restrained by the same constitutional limits as police officers. Store employees may suspect that you have committed retail theft because they think you hid merchandise or switched price tags. YOU SHOULD NEVER PROVIDE A WRITTEN OR ORAL STATEMENT TO STORE SECURITY. While you might think that cooperating will be the best way to avoid police involvement, the statement you provide without constitutional or Miranda protections will often be the most damaging evidence in a shoplifting prosecution. The law does not require you to answer any questions posed by store security personnel. The police will often be summoned whether or not you provide a statement.

Compelling Defense of Retail Theft Offenses in Illinois

Our DuPage County petty theft lawyers are committed to providing the most effective defense strategy to avoid a conviction or to negotiate court supervision, so we can later seek to expunge your conviction. We invite you to call us today at 630-256-8001 or to contact us online to schedule your free consultation in our conveniently located office in Naperville. Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. also has offices in Wheaton and in Rolling Meadows by appointment. 

Recent Blog Posts

NOTE: Fields with a * indicate a required field.
*
*
*
injurys superlawyers leadinglawyers avvorating dcba nationalcollege avvoclientschoice avpeerreviewrated dialdui
  • 1

  • 2

  • 3

  • 4

I just wanted to "Thank You" again for making it possible for my son to get on with his life.  I have watched him straighten out his life and now he has a chance. When everything looked hopeless, you were still there fighting for us, win or lose. Even when it took six prosecutors against one, you kept on protecting us...

A satisfied Ramsell & Associates client

Lynn and I would like to thank you for your expertise during lynn's court appearances and especially during his jury trial. You reallly came through for us. We will be happy to pass your name on to anyone who may need an excellent lawyer! Thanks again and again,

A satisfied Ramsell & Associates client

"Awesome" What else can I say! Professional and confident at every meeting. My daughters thank you, as do I!

Bill - A satisfied Ramsell & Associates client

Thank you again for saving my life.

Bob - A satisfied Ramsell & Associates client

1717 North Naperville Road,
Suite 200, Naperville, IL 60563

630-256-8001
 

Get Directions

1813 Hicks Road, Suite B,
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

847-465-8743
By Appointment Only

Get Directions

128 South County Farm Road,
3rd Floor, Wheaton, IL 60187

630-665-8780
By Appointment Only

Get Directions

Arcada Theater Building- 2nd Floor. 12 S. Riverside, Suite 2-I
St. Charles, IL 60174

630-786-6062
By Appointment Only

Get Directions

1900 E. Golf Road Suite 950R
Schaumburg, IL 60173

847-465-8743
By Appointment Only

Get Directions

9 Crystal Lake Road, Suite 220
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

847-465-8743
By Appointment Only

Get Directions

Free case evaluation

ACCUSED? ARRESTED?

Call 630-256-8001

Play