Retail Theft Lawyer in New Castle

Retail theft is something law enforcement officers in Ohio encounter on a daily basis. In simple terms, it means walking out of a store with items you haven’t paid for. If you’re facing charges for this offense, working with a skilled Ohio criminal defense attorney is essential as you move through the legal process.

Understanding Retail Theft

Retail theft occurs for various reasons and affects people from all walks of life. Some individuals do it for the thrill— they enjoy the challenge of bypassing cashiers and security. Others steal because they want something but lack the funds to purchase it. In many cases, people shoplift because they genuinely need an item but simply can’t afford to buy it.

No matter what drives someone to commit this act, shoplifting carries serious consequences that can impact your life for years to come. A conviction leaves you with a criminal record that can close doors to certain careers, housing opportunities, and educational programs. It damages your reputation, making friends and family hesitant to trust you in their homes. In some situations, a retail theft conviction can even affect child custody arrangements. Additionally, stores where theft occurred will ban you permanently, limiting where you can shop. Society views theft convictions harshly, and that stigma follows you. If you are facing retail theft charges, consulting a skilled New Castle DUI lawyer can make a significant difference in your case and help you protect your future.

Legal Definition Under Ohio Law

The Ohio Consolidated Statutes, specifically Title 18, Section 3929, provide the legal definition of retail theft and shoplifting. According to this statute, retail theft occurs when an individual purposely takes, carries away, or unlawfully exercises control over property owned by a store or business without the owner’s consent, with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. This can include taking merchandise through deception, intimidation, or other forms of dishonest conduct.

Charges and Penalties for Retail Theft

The charges you face for retail theft depend largely on the total value of the stolen items. A New Castle criminal lawyer can help you understand which charges apply to your situation.

Misdemeanor Petty Theft

When the value of stolen items totals less than $1,000, you’ll typically face charges for first-degree misdemeanor petty theft. Penalties for this charge include:

• Fines up to $1,000
• Jail time of up to six months

Felony Theft

If the value of what you stole exceeds $1,000, you’ll be charged with felony theft. This carries much steeper consequences:

• Fines reaching as high as $20,000
• Prison sentences of up to 11 years

Penalties increase based on the value of stolen goods and whether you have prior convictions. Felony theft also requires restitution payments to the victim and opens the door for civil lawsuits against you.

Defense Strategies for Retail Theft Charges

While the consequences of a retail theft conviction are severe, an experienced New Castle DUI lawyer can build strong defenses to reduce or dismiss your charges. Several defense strategies may apply depending on your specific circumstances:

You Didn’t Steal the Items

Perhaps you can demonstrate that you never took the property in question. Evidence may show you were wrongly identified or that the items were never in your possession.

Lack of Intent

Maybe you didn’t mean to leave without paying. It’s possible you genuinely forgot an item was in your bag or cart when you reached the checkout line. Honest mistakes happen, and a New Castle criminal lawyer can argue this on your behalf.

Duress

Did someone force you to steal? If you acted under duress—meaning you feared for your health, safety, or life if you didn’t comply—this could serve as a valid defense.

Ownership of Property

Perhaps the item you’re accused of stealing actually belonged to you. If you can prove you already owned and paid for the property, the charges should be dismissed.

Why Every Detail Matters

When you meet with your attorney, share every single detail about your shopping trip and arrest. Even minor facts that seem unimportant to you could make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal. Your New Castle DUI lawyer needs complete information to craft the strongest possible defense strategy and secure the best outcome for your case.

Get Legal Help Today

Anyone charged with retail theft deserves competent and dedicated legal representation. The Youngstown Criminal Law Group is committed to defending clients with thorough research and aggressive advocacy. Their team serves clients throughout the region, including those seeking a New Castle criminal lawyer.

Call them today at (330) 992-3036. Their team is available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also reach out online to schedule a consultation and begin building your defense.