Pennsylvania Retail Theft Lawyer

Caught shoplifting.  You are understandably concerned about the consequences of a retail theft conviction on your future.  Suppose a judge or jury finds you guilty of a criminal stealing.  Unfortunately, you may face a significant shoplifting fine, hefty court costs, possible jail time, and immense damage to your personal and professional reputation.  Does your case involve false arrest shoplifting.  As an experienced Pennsylvania retail theft lawyer, I can provide you with the professional legal guidance you need to handle your shoplifting charges.

Can You Get Arrested for Shoplifting

It depends on the circumstances.  What if the store security suspects you intentionally chose to shop lift more than $150 worth of merchandise and detains you before leaving the building?  In that case, the police will be called, and you will be arrested.

Assume you exited the store, and the retailer believes you stole over $2,000 of merchandise.  In that situation, the police will file criminal charges and issue a warrant for your arrest.

If this occurs, you must turn yourself into the police to be fingerprinted.  After processing, a judge will provide you with a copy of the charges, set bail, and schedule the preliminary hearing date.  Did the police charge you with shoplifting at Target self checkout.  If so, I can help.

Can You Get Caught Shoplifting After Leaving Store Days Later

Yes.  The chances of getting caught shoplifting after leaving store are very high.  In some cases, the police can discover your identity from video surveillance or from a previous store incident.

I have handled cases where a loss prevention shoplifting officer has recorded the license plate number of a suspected shoplifter or accomplice of the suspect.  In those cases, the police traced the license plate number back to the alleged shoplifter, filed retail theft charges, and, in some cases, issued an arrest warrant.

Finally, some retail stores have embraced advanced security measures using facial recognition technology.  This software allows police and store security officers to compare a scanned image of a shopper’s face to a database of known shoplifters.

Have you been charged with shoplifting after the leaving store.  Contact me to discuss your charges at (215) 752-5282.

How Long Does a Shoplifting Investigation Take

The speed of a shoplifting investigation is primarily determined by the circumstances.  The process is usually swift if you are caught inside or outside of the store.  Store employees will detain you, and the loss prevention worker will promptly call the police.

The police will then interview witnesses, collect video evidence if the incident was recorded and write an investigative report.

Before the police arrive, the store security employees may attempt to make you sign a no-trespass agreement or other legal documents.  If the value of the items is under $150, you will be released.  The police will mail you a summary citation for petty theft.

If the value of the store items is over $150 but $1,000 or less, the police will charge you with misdemeanor shoplifting.

However, if the amount of merchandise the store accused of stealing is significant, the police may arrest you, transport you to the police department for booking, and then take you before a judge for arraignment and bail on the charges.  This process underscores the seriousness of the situation.

If the suspect left the store, it could take weeks or months for the store investigators and the police to identify the alleged shoplifter.  In many cases, the police do not file a retail theft charge due to a lack of evidence.

Are you searching for an experienced petty theft attorney.  Contact me at (215) 752-5282 for a free review of your case and to understand the potential consequences of retail theft.

Shoplifting Warrant

Many local police departments will issue a warrant for shoplifting for misdemeanor shoplifting and retail theft felony cases.  Shoplifting arrest warrants typically involve instances when the alleged shoplifter is not detained or arrested in the store.

In most cases, you will receive a warrant notification letter in the mail or be contacted by a patrol officer or detective advising you of the shoplifting charge and the warrant.  Clearing a shoplifting warrant involves the following:

• Scheduling a turn-in date and time with the police department
• Appearing in person at the police station for fingerprinting and processing
• Arraignment before a judge who informs you of the charges, first court appearance, and sets bail

Do you have an arrest warrant for shoplifting.  If so, I can help you with the turn-in, arraignment, and bail hearing.  Your chances of being released are better if you have a lawyer representing you for the warrant.  Phone me at (215) 752-5282 for a free evaluation of your case.

Falsely Accused of Shoplifting

Are you the victim of a false shoplifting accusation.  As a professional shoplifting attorney, I have handled over a thousand cases involving persons accused of shoplifting at Walmart, Kohl’s, Home Depot, CVS, Wegmans, Giant, Lowe’s, Weis, Ulta, Target, and other retail stores.

Falsely accused of stealing and searching for a shoplifting lawyer near me?  In that case, you should contact me immediately.

A majority of my clients have cases involving accidental shoplifting.  Unfortunately, the police and retail store security do not realize that these individuals accidentally shoplifted due to an honest error until they stop the shopper and call the police.

We can set up a consultation, review the law for shoplifting, arrange to interview witnesses, and take steps to preserve video evidence helpful to your defense.  I will give you the best advice on what to do if falsely accused of shoplifting.

Arrested Shoplifting

In my experience as a lawyer for shoplifting, most people do not understand what happens if you get caught shoplifting.  It is critical to understand your rights if accused of shoplifting.  They include the following:

• You do not need to give a statement to the store security employees
• You have no obligation to speak to the police about the alleged incident: taking the fifth
• You are not required to sign any documents admitting that you shoplifted from the store
• The loss prevention employees do not have the right to be physically or verbally abusive to you
• You can refuse to sign any legal documents from the store related to criminal or civil trespass

Be cautious and do not return to the store to try to pay for alleged stolen merchandise, as the prosecutor may use that as evidence in court as a confession to stealing.  Have the police charged you with shoplifting from Target.

Do you need a lawyer for stealing.  For immediate support and legal guidance call (215) 752-5282 for an immediate free consultation.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Shoplifting

Yes.  A lawyer for shoplifting can explain the best defense against shoplifting, conduct an investigation of the incident, and discuss the laws on shoplifting.  Also, a shoplifting criminal defense lawyer will be familiar with the shoplifting laws and how to defend a shoplifting charge.

Looking for a retail theft lawyer near me.  In most cases, I can help you get the charges dismissed and escape a criminal record.

Shoplifting Defense Attorney Cost

Retail theft lawyers can charge a fortune.  I offer a reasonably priced legal defense for people charged with criminal shoplifting.  The shoplifting lawyer cost will vary depending on the number and severity of your charges.  Most clients find my shoplifting attorney fees to be within their budget.

Have you the police accused you of theft by shoplifting.  Are you concerned about the penalty of shoplifting.  If so, contact me by phone at (215) 752-5282 for a free consultation to discuss how to beat a shoplifting case.

Can Police Track You Down by Camera for Shoplifting?

Yes.  I receive many calls from clients who ask: What happens if you get caught on camera shoplifting?  Regrettably, it is common for the police to charge a person with a shoplifting crime based only on video surveillance recordings.

Unfortunately, that means you may receive a shoplifting citation for a retail theft case months after the alleged incident.  The quality and strength of the shoplifting video evidence will vary in each case.

In many cases, the video evidence is too grainy or taken at an angle that makes it difficult to positively identify a suspect.  Sometimes, it is clear from the video surveillance that you are not the person in the video.

Therefore, it is vital to have an experienced shoplifting defense attorney review any video recording evidence if you are wrongly accused of stealing.

Arrested for Shoplifting

Are you trying to locate a qualified and highly-rated shoplifting attorney near me?  Do you want to consult with a shoplifting defense lawyer who knows how to get shoplifting charges dropped?

If so, I can explain the charges against you, investigate your case, discuss your legal options, and prepare you for your upcoming court appearances.

I have over a decade of experience fighting for people facing retail theft charges in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Philadelphia County, Chester County, and surrounding Pennsylvania Counties.

Looking for shoplifting legal advice.  Call me at (215) 752-5282 for a free initial consultation, or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response.  Also, I offer appointments after business hours and on weekends.

Does Walmart Press Charges for Shoplifting

Yes.  Arrested for shoplifting at Walmart.  I have handled over 1,500 Walmart shoplifting cases.  The majority of the cases involve skip scanning at Walmart.  In almost every case, the employees immediately contact the police to report the crime when a retail theft occurs at their store.

Another common question clients ask me is: Does Walmart show up for court for shoplifting?  The answer is yes.  Therefore, it is critical to know what happens if you get caught shoplifting at Walmart and how to get a Walmart shoplifting case dismissed.

Falsely accused of stealing at Walmart.  If so, I specialize in defending people wrongfully accused of shoplifting at Walmart.  I understand how to attempt to get Walmart to drop shoplifting charges through various first-time offender diversion programs, shoplifter counseling, and community service.

Fortunately, these programs will enable you to avoid a criminal record.

Have you received a citation for shoplifting at Walmart.  Fortunately, I can help you even if you were caught stealing at Walmart and do not qualify for community service or other diversion programs.  Are you worried about the penalty for shoplifting at Walmart.

I have the experience to beat a shoplifting charge from Walmart in court or help you get the charges reduced.

What is Attempted Shoplifting Called

Did the police file an attempted shoplifting charge against you.  Under Pennsylvania law, attempted shoplifting is referred to as criminal attempt shoplifting.

What Does Criminal Attempt Mean

Under PA law, a criminal attempt is a legal term.  It means that the police believe you took a substantial step towards committing the crime of shoplifting.

In these cases, the police do not have evidence that you committed the crime of shoplifting.  Still, they do have proof that you’ve taken an action or actions in the store just short of achieving the crime of retail theft.

Examples of attempted shoplifting include the following:

• Switching price tags on a store product
• Cutting or altering a store security device on store merchandise
• Concealing store items in a store changing room
• Hiding store merchandise inside or under a container in a shopping cart

Most shoplifting arrests do not involve attempted shoplifting.

Retail Theft in PA

How to Get Shoplifting Charge Dismissed

Most clients want to know how to beat a retail theft case in PA.  The first step is to get your side of the incident, thoroughly analyze the police department’s evidence or lack of evidence and prepare for court.

Further, I will thoroughly examine and investigate the facts of your case to identify the best shoplifting defense.

Shoplifting Class

In many shoplifting cases, the completion of court ordered shoplifting classes or a shoplifting prevention class greatly increases your chances of getting the police or prosecutor to dismiss or reduce your charges of shoplifting.

Contact me to discuss whether your case may be resolved through a shoplifting prevention course.  I can also provide you with the instructions for completing an online shoplifting class.

How to Beat Shoplifting Charge

I also address the most frequently asked questions when the police charge you with retail theft in Bucks County.

Facial Recognition and Other Shoplifting Prevention Devices are Often Unreliable

Retail stores often employ loss prevention specialists who monitor shoplifting crimes using retail anti theft devices such as facial recognition security cameras and other security methods.  However, in many cases, the loss prevention employees have minimal security experience.

In addition, scientific studies have demonstrated that facial recognition security cameras are inaccurate and unreliable and often misidentify a person based on their racial profile.  As a result, store security employees are not trained to accurately detect and document retail theft crimes.

Furthermore, store loss prevention employees are not trained to accurately identify persons committing shoplifting crimes.  Despite this, many retail store chains will actively pursue criminal prosecutions against innocent individuals suspected of shoplifting store merchandise.

Finally, speaking to a shoplifting defense lawyer is crucial if you are falsely accused of theft.

How to Beat a Self Checkout Theft Charge

A growing trend in retail theft prevention is using artificial intelligence (AI), often called machine intelligence to target self scan theft or self checkout shoplifting  Furthermore, most retail stores have AI programs added to store security cameras, traditional store registers, and self-checkout machines.

In theory, the AI software is programmed to analyze suspicious activity by a shopper based on different human behavioral cues.  Unfortunately, the computer software used in these devices is prone to routine errors and malfunctions.

I speak to people who are falsely accused of shoplifting at Target self-checkout every day.  Have the police falsely accused of a skip scan or fake scan.  Contact me to discuss self checkout shoplifting defenses.

Is AI Retail Theft Technology Always Accurate?

No.  The AI software will often alert store personnel through an app if a shopper demonstrates suspicious activity based on the program’s pre-set algorithm.  Unfortunately, artificial intelligence software is not 100% accurate.

Consequently, artificial intelligence software does not detect human error or other lawful, innocent explanations for suspicious behavior cues.  As a result, many people are accused of skip scanning but actually paid for their items.  In many cases, you may have a viable self-checkout shoplifting defense.

What is a False Positive Defense to Retail Theft?

A false positive occurs when the self-checkout security system misinterprets innocent customer behavior as possible retail theft.  Examples include situations where the customer has, in fact, scanned and paid for all their items or mistakenly thought the scanning device rang up a product.

Also, other false positives can occur when a customer fails to scan merchandise due to a mistake, distraction, or confusion.  Have you been falsely accused of stealing from a store?  If so, I know how to fight a shoplifting charge.

Contact me at (215) 752-5282 if your retail theft case is due to human error or an innocent mistake. 

Can Shoplifting Charges be Dropped?

Yes.  Unfortunately, many people do not understand how to get out of a shoplifting charge.  Fortunately, there are many scenarios under which a judge or prosecutor can dismiss a retail theft case, and you can avoid the punishment of shoplifting.

A retail theft case can be discharged in any of the following circumstances:

• The prosecutor has insufficient evidence to convict you and drops the case (nolle pros)
• You meet the requirements of a district court first-offender program (summary offense-adult, Summary Agreement-Chester County)
• The district court judge dismisses your case after you finish community service (summary or misdemeanor retail theft)
• You complete a Pennsylvania District Attorney County diversion program (ARD or misdemeanor diversion program-Delaware County)
• You fulfill the conditions for an informal adjustment or consent decree first-time offender program (juvenile court)
• You satisfy the terms of a Community Youth Aid Panel (district-court-summary offense-juvenile)

Searching for an attorney for shoplifting charge.  If so, contact me at (215) 752-5282 to talk about how to beat a shoplifting charge.

Is Shoplifting a Felony

It depends on the facts of your case.  One of the most common questions I receive is: When does shoplifting become a felony.  Under PA Title 18 Retail Theft, the following circumstances would fall under the category of felony retail theft:

• The police charge you with shoplifting an item of any value, and you have two prior shoplifting convictions
• The police accuse you of exceeding the felony shoplifting amount (merchandise with a value of over $1,000)
• The police charge you with organized retail theft
• The police accuse you of shoplifting a firearm
• The police charge you with stealing a motor vehicle from any car sales business or dealership

It is also essential to understand that a lawyer can often negotiate a felony shoplifting charge down to a misdemeanor or summary offense.  Review the retail theft punishment chart below to determine if your case qualifies for the shoplifting felony amount.

Shoplifting Penalty

Most of the questions I receive from clients involve shoplifting jail time.  The other most common shoplifting questions include the following:

• What is the penalty for shoplifting
• What is the penalty for shoplifting first offense
• Will I go to jail for first time shoplifting
• Can you go to jail for shoplifting
• How much shoplifting is a felony

Understandably, many people are concerned about the potential consequences if they are punished for shoplifting.  The following chart identifies the different PA shoplifting penalties under the PA crimes code retail theft.

As the display on the chart indicates, PA retail theft sentencing guidelines will vary depending on the value of the merchandise taken, the type of item involved, and the number of prior shoplifting convictions you have.  Therefore, punishment for shoplifting will vary, depending on the facts of the case.

Worried about shoplifting time in jail.  Call me at (215) 752-5282 for a free evaluation of your case.

Will I Go to Jail for Shoplifting First Offense

No.  Unless your case involves an organized retail theft crime, multiple retail thefts (3 or more), or if the value of the merchandise taken exceeds $5,000.  In most cases involving 1st offense shoplifting, the prosecutor will offer the accused a shoplifting first offense diversion program.

If you do not qualify for pre prosecution diversion, the court will order a probation sentence.

New Shoplifting Law

On December 23, 2023, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 596 into law.  The legislation makes significant changes to the retail theft PA crimes code.

The new law on shoplifting lowers the monetary minimums required for the police to charge a person with 2nd and 3rd-degree felonies for organized retail theft.  As a result, persons convicted of organized theft will face a much more severe organized retail theft sentence.

The changes to the organized shoplifting law include the following:

• Organized retail theft of merchandise with a retail value of at least $2,500 but not more than $9,999 is graded as a felony of the 3rd-degree
• Organized retail theft of merchandise with a retail amount of at least $10,000 but not more than $49,000 becomes a felony of the 2nd-degree
• Organized retail theft of products with a retail value of at least $50,000 becomes a felony of the 1st-degree

The new organized retail crime law goes into effect on July 1, 2024.

What Happens if You Get Caught Shoplifting Under 18

It depends on the severity (summary, misdemeanor, or felony) of the offense and whether you have a shoplifting defense.  The most common outcomes for teenage shoplifters include the following:

• You beat the case in juvenile court
• The court dismisses the charge after you successfully complete a community youth aid panel
• The juvenile probation department dismisses and erases your charges after you complete community service
• The juvenile court dismisses and expunges your charges after you complete an informal adjustment through the juvenile probation office
• The juvenile court dismisses and expunges your case after you complete the conditions of a consent decree through the juvenile probation department

For more information on how I can defend your child against shoplifting charges, read the PA Juvenile Defense Lawyer page on my website.  Call me at (215) 752-5282 if the police charge your child with teenage shoplifting.

Does Shoplifting as a Minor Stay on Your Record

No.  In many situations involving juvenile shoplifting, no record is created because the police never file the charges with the police.  An example would be juvenile shoplifting charges resolved through a community youth aid panel.

In cases where the police file juvenile theft charges with the court, the records can usually be expunged within 6 months after an informal adjustment or juvenile consent decree is completed.

If the charges do not qualify for a community service diversion, youth aid panel, informal adjustment, or a consent decree, the district attorney typically agrees to an expedited expungement, which allows for the records to be expunged 1 or 2 years after the juvenile case has closed.

For more information on juvenile record expungement, visit the PA Juvenile Record Expungement Lawyer page.

First-time Offender Retail Theft

Accused of 1st offence shoplifting.  Fortunately, most people charged by the police with a first time shoplifting offense can avoid a conviction and permanent criminal record.  Also, each Pennsylvania county district attorney offers a shoplifting diversion program for first time offense shoplifting.

Did you receive a petty theft citation.  I am one of the best petty theft lawyers in the Philadelphia suburban area.  Don’t let a first time shoplifting charge ruin your life.  Contact me at (215) 752-5282 for a free comprehensive evaluation of your case.

What Happens in Court for First Time Shoplifting

In most cases involving first time offender theft charges, the judge will sentence you to probation, usually through a first offender program.  I am familiar with all of the diversion programs for shoplifting in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties.

In addition, I can get many shoplifting cases dismissed at the district court without the district attorney’s involvement due to a lack of evidence or due to the payment of restitution to the store.

In many situations, the district court judge will dismiss the charges if the accused completes some or all of the following conditions:

• Performing community service
• Participation in a community panel
• Completion of a shoplifting class online
• Payment of court costs, fines, and restitution

Searching for a lawyer for shoplifting near me?  Call me at (215) 752-5282 to review your case.

Bucks County Diversion Program for Shoplifting Charges First Offense

The police charge you with summary retail theft in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  You want to know: Can petty theft charges be dropped?

The Community Accountability Program (CAP) is a pre-trial diversion program available to many first-time offenders charged with summary retail theft in Bucks County, PA.  The district attorney implemented the CAP program for low-level drug possession offenses but expanded it to include charges for shoplifting.

However, persons charged with summary retail theft are also eligible for admission into CAP.  The Bucks County Magisterial District Courts administer the program.  Also, the majority of the police departments in Bucks County participate in CAP.

How Does CAP Work?

The police department and district attorney must approve participation in CAP.  The police officer who filed the charges must submit a CAP application to the Bucks County District Attorney for consideration.  Finally, the district court will notify you if you are admitted into CAP.

Avoid a Criminal Record through CAP

Individuals who successfully complete the CAP requirements will have their shoplifting charges dismissed at the district court level.  Therefore, successfully completing the CAP requirements will result in the expungement of the retail theft charge.

In addition, the court costs for the CAP program are much lower than those imposed on a case resolved in the court of common pleas.

What are the Conditions of Bucks County CAP?

• You are required to appear before a community panel
• You must complete all of the panel’s recommendations
• You must waive your right to a speedy trial
• The court will reschedule your case for a preliminary hearing if you violate the program conditions
• You are eligible for ARD for a subsequent case if CAP is for a summary offense

I am highly experienced in the CAP application and admissions requirements for retail theft cases.  Furthermore, I can determine if your case qualifies for the Bucks County Community Accountability Program.

Read more about the CAP program on the Bucks County Drug Possession Diversion Programs Page.

Delaware County PA Misdemeanor Retail Theft Diversion Program

Did the police file a case for misdemeanor shoplifting first offense against you in Delaware County, Pennsylvania?  Are you looking for a way to get the case dismissed and your record expunged?

Fortunately, the Delaware County District Attorney offers a diversion program for first and second offenders facing misdemeanor shoplifting charges.

If you complete the requirements, the prosecutor will dismiss the charges, and you will be able to get the shoplifting charges expunged from your record.  To qualify for the program, the district attorney must pre-qualify you for admission.  Also, there is no application process.  

The requirements of misdemeanor retail theft diversion include the following:

• The district attorney must pre-qualify you for admission to qualify for the program
• You must get fingerprinted at the police department before the preliminary hearing
• You are required to waive your preliminary hearing in person at the district court
• You will be required to complete the online “Shoplifters Alternative Course” prior to the formal arraignment court date
• You must pay approximately $300 in court costs at the Delaware County Court Financial Services Office
• The district attorney will dismiss the charges once they receive confirmation of course completion and payment of court costs
• You are eligible to file for criminal record expungement once the prosecutor dismisses the case

ARD for Retail Theft in PA

Even if the evidence against you is strong, there are often ways I can prevent the shoplifting charges from resulting in a criminal conviction.  For example, Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is a program for 1st-time, non-violent offenders.

The ARD program is available to most individuals facing retail theft charges as a 1st offense.  Individuals who complete the ARD program are eligible to have their charges dismissed and their records expunged.

Unlike district court diversion programs, placement on ARD takes place in the court of common pleas of the county where the offense occurred.

How Does the ARD Application Process Work?

Each district attorney’s office grants admission into the ARD Program at its discretion. Individuals interested in the ARD Program must submit a written application to the county prosecutor’s office.

Each Pennsylvania county has different ARD application deadlines and pre-admission requirements. Unfortunately, most Pennsylvania prosecutors will not offer ARD in cases where the police charge you with a felony retail theft.  I answer common questions in the Pennsylvania ARD Program Questions page.

I am highly knowledgeable in the requirements for ARD admission in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and the surrounding Pennsylvania Counties.

Therefore, I can assist you with the application process and ensure that the district attorney receives the appropriate information about your background and character for the ARD review process.

Above all, I am one of Pennsylvania’s most experienced shoplifting lawyers. Therefore, I can give you the best chance of being approved for the program.  Read more about ARD on the Pennsylvania ARD Lawyer page.

Shoplifting Consequences

I receive many calls from individuals who ask me: Does shoplifting show up on a background check. It does unless you have had your arrest shoplifting records expunged.

Many people do not realize the consequences for shoplifting.  Most court systems and employers view retail theft and shoplifting as crimes of “moral turpitude.”

Unfortunately, that means potential employers and others will unfairly view a person arrested or convicted of shoplifting as dishonest and possessing low moral character.

A Shoplifting Record Can Prevent You From Getting a Professional License

Many professions require a professional license or certificate to qualify for employment in their industry.  Examples of jobs requiring a professional license include the following:

• Doctors
• Lawyers
• Psychologists
• Teachers
• Engineers
• Social Workers
• Occupational therapists
• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
• Real Estate Agent

To obtain a professional license in these fields, the applicant must demonstrate “good character.”  In some cases, a shoplifting arrest or conviction can prevent an applicant for a professional license from satisfying the good character requirement to be granted a license.

Will Shoplifting Affect My Immigration Status

It depends.  A common question I receive from my clients is: Can you get deported for shoplifting.  In some instances, crimes of moral turpitude including retail theft and shoplifting, can have devastating consequences.

The Immigration and Naturalization Service can deny citizenship or take steps to deport a non-citizen convicted of shoplifting or retail theft offenses.  In certain cases, these harsh consequences can be avoided by reducing the charges or if the accused enters into a first-time offender diversion program.

A Shoplifting Arrest Will Hurt Your Employment Opportunities

An arrest or conviction for retail theft or shoplifting has severe implications for someone currently employed or looking for a job.  Most employers regularly run comprehensive background checks on current and potential employees.

Suppose your employer discovers you have been arrested or convicted of a theft crime.  In that case, they may fire you on the spot out of fear that you will commit theft at your place of employment.

Imagine you apply for a job with a shoplifting arrest or conviction.  In that situation, the employer will most likely refuse to make you a job offer out of fear that you may repeat the behavior during your employment.

Facing an arrest for shoplifting.  Contact me at (215) 752-5282 to discuss successful retail theft defense strategies.

How Long Does a Shoplifting Charge Stay on Your Record?

I receive many calls from individuals asking: Does shoplifting go on your record.  The answer is:  It depends.  Suppose the judge withdrew, dismissed, or acquitted you of the retail theft, regardless of the grading of the offense.  In that case, you can immediately petition the court for shoplifting expungement. to remove the arrest from your record.

However, if a judge convicted you of summary retail theft, you must wait 5 years to be eligible to expunge your shoplifting arrest records.  Did a judge or jury convict you of a misdemeanor of felony retail theft?  In that scenario, you must receive a governor’s pardon before you can get your record expunged.

Finally, you can request that the court expunge your criminal history if you completed a first-offender diversion program.  Are you embarrassed by a retail theft arrest.  Contact me to discuss at (215) 752-5282 to discuss how to get a shoplifting charge expunged.

Can Shoplifting be Expunged?

Clients frequently ask me: Can a shoplifting charge be expunged?  Most often, the answer is yes, and it can bring a sense of relief.  Individuals who fall into the above categories are eligible for Pennsylvania criminal record expungement.  This process can help you move forward with your life with a clean record.

I can show you how to get retail theft expunged in PA.  For additional information on how to clean your criminal record, view the PA Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer page.

Are you investigating how to get a petty theft charge expunged.  For more comprehensive information on how to get petty theft expunged, visit the PA Summary Offense Expungement Lawyer page for more information.

New PA Expedited Pardon Law for Misdemeanor Retail Theft Conviction

Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro recently signed a law making getting a pardon for misdemeanor retail theft offenses easier.  Under the new law, a misdemeanor retail theft conviction can be expunged if you are granted a pardon through the expedited review program.

The expedited pardon review program takes about half the time of the traditional pardon application process.

To qualify for an expedited pardon of your misdemeanor shoplifting conviction, you must meet the following conditions:

Your last contact with the criminal justice system was 5 years ago or longer

Your last contact with the criminal justice system can be any of the following:

• A non-traffic summary offense that was disposed of at the district court
• The expiration of the maximum sentence for the retail theft conviction
• Any arrest resulting in pending charges
• The expiration of a final (permanent) Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order
• The resolution of or expiration of any sentence for PFA Contempt (indirect criminal contempt)

As a Pennsylvania Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer, I can assist you with the expungement application process.

What if I do not Qualify for ARD?

Suppose the district attorney denies your ARD application. In that case, a plea bargain to reduced charges is usually the next best option to resolve your shoplifting case, especially if the prosecutor’s evidence is strong.

Frequently, I negotiate with the police and district attorney to reduce the retail theft charges to less serious offenses. Also, a person who accepts a plea bargain for lesser crimes can petition the court to remove their retail theft case from their record through expungement.

To achieve the best result, I will structure the negotiated plea agreement so that you can avoid going to jail. In addition, I can review the circumstances and evidence in your case to determine if a plea agreement can be negotiated to resolve your charges successfully.

Many attorneys claim to be the best lawyer for shoplifting.  What sets me apart from them is that I have the experience and proven success defending retail theft charges.

Retail Theft Attorney

Have you been falsely accused of retail theft?  You immediately begin searching for retail theft lawyers near me.  Fortunately, my aggressive retail theft defense practice covers Montgomery County, Bucks County, Philadelphia County, Delaware County, Chester County, and other suburban counties.

Acting quickly to hire a lawyer to protect your rights and build the most vigorous possible retail theft defense is critical.

Phone lines are open 24 hours daily at (215) 752-5282.  Call today for a free initial consultation, or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate callback.