Retail Theft Lawyer in Youngstown

Retail Theft Lawyer in Youngstown

Retail theft is a frequent offense encountered by Ohio law enforcement. Essentially, it means taking an item from a store without paying for it. If you are facing charges for this crime, securing an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial to help you navigate the complexities of the court system.

Retail theft occurs across all socio-economic groups and for a variety of reasons. Some individuals do it for the thrill, finding excitement in sneaking items past cashiers and security personnel. Others steal out of desire for items they cannot afford, while many shoplift out of genuine necessity—needing essential goods but lacking the funds to purchase them.

Regardless of the motivation, shoplifting is a grave offense with enduring consequences. A conviction creates a criminal record that can disqualify you from specific career paths, housing opportunities, and educational programs. It can tarnish your reputation, causing friends and acquaintances to hesitate before trusting you or welcoming you into their homes. In some cases, a retail theft record can complicate child custody arrangements. Furthermore, the store involved will likely ban you permanently, restricting your future shopping options. The social stigma attached to theft is significant and deeply ingrained.

If you are facing these serious allegations, a Youngstown criminal lawyer can provide the guidance and defense strategy you need to protect your future.

Legal Definition of Retail Theft in Ohio

According to the Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 29, Section 2913.02, retail theft and shoplifting are defined as purposefully depriving an owner of property or services by knowingly taking control without consent (either express or implied). This can be achieved through:

• Deception
• Threat
• Intimidation
• Without consent

The specific charges for retail theft depend heavily on the value of the merchandise taken.

Penalties for Retail Theft

The severity of the punishment generally correlates with the monetary value of the stolen goods.

• Petty Theft (First-Degree Misdemeanor): This applies if the total value of items is less than $1,000. Penalties can include fines up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months.
• Felony Theft: If the value exceeds $1,000, the charge escalates to a felony. This can result in fines reaching $20,000 and prison sentences of up to 11 years.

Penalties increase incrementally based on the value of the property and the offender’s prior criminal history. Felony theft also mandates restitution and exposes you to potential civil lawsuits from the victimized business. To understand how these specific statutes apply to your case, consulting a Youngstown DUI attorney who also handles theft cases is highly advisable.

Potential Defenses Against Retail Theft Charges

Despite the severe potential consequences, there are viable defenses that a skilled Youngstown criminal lawyer can employ to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges. Defenses vary based on the specifics of the incident but may include:

• Lack of Intent: It is possible you simply forgot an item was in your cart or possession when approaching the checkout.
• Mistaken Identity or Fact: It could be argued that you did not actually steal the items in question.
• Duress: If you were forced to steal under threat to your health, safety, or life, this constitutes duress.
• Ownership: You may be able to prove that the property you are accused of stealing was something you had already purchased and owned.

It is vital to disclose every detail of the incident and your arrest to your Youngstown criminal lawyer. Even seemingly minor details can be the key to shifting a case from a conviction to a dismissal.

Contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group Today

Anyone charged with retail theft requires a competent and committed criminal defense attorney by their side. Youngstown Criminal Law Group is committed to defending clients in Mahoning County through rigorous research and aggressive defense strategies.

Call today at 412.387.6901. Someone is available to take your call 24/7. You can also reach out to a Youngstown DUI attorney from our team online for assistance with various legal matters.