Shoplifting Defense
Kansas City Shoplifting Attorney
Criminal Defense Against Retail Theft Charges
Free Consultation: 866-457-7549
Charged with shoplifting?
Shoplifting is not always a simple misdemeanor matter handled in Municipal Court. Depending on the value of the merchandise involved and applicable prior convictions, shoplifting can be charged as felony theft and prosecuted in District Court. Simply removing the retailer’s theft-detection device can be charged as a felony -- even if you do not succeed in leaving the store with the merchandise.
If you are charged with shoplifting or theft from your employer, you need strong advocacy to defend your rights and push for the best outcome available in your circumstances. Contact Kansas City shoplifting attorney Paul D. Cramm, Chtd. My Olathe, Kansas practice is focused exclusively on criminal defense, and I have represented many defendants in shoplifting and retail theft cases. I cover Shawnee, Lenexa, Overland Park, and the rest of Johnson County, as well as Wyandotte County and Jackson County, Missouri.
Kansas Shoplifting Charges
- If the merchandise is valued at less than $1,000, the crime is a Class A misdemeanor.
- If the merchandise is valued more than $1000, the charges rises to a Level 9 non-person felony in Kansas. A conviction may result in substantial jail time, in addition to court costs and restitution.
- Theft of merchandise from three different stores in a 72-hour period is also a Level 9 felony.
- Removal of anti-theft devices, possession of a tool for removing anti-theft tags, or possession of other apparatus intended to defeat anti-theft devices are Level 9 felonies.
- Prior offenses for shoplifting or theft can result in harsher sentences if convicted.
Defense against Shoplifting Charges
If you were videotaped in the act of shoplifting, it may not be realistic to expect an outright acquittal or "not guilty" verdict at trial. However, I may be able to achieve a more favorable result by focusing your defense on negotiations with the prosecution to minimize the consequences you face.
If surveillance equipment was not a factor, I examine the case closely to determine whether or not the arresting officer had both reasonable suspicion and probable cause to justify your arrest. An improper search or arrest may possibly result in suppression of the evidence and ultimate dismissal of the charges against you. Whatever your situation, I work tirelessly to get you the best results possible.
Conviction for a crime at any level can have serious, life-changing consequences, whether the defendant is an adult or a juvenile. With so much at stake, you can put your trust in Paul D. Cramm to vigorously defend you. To protect your rights if you are charged with theft, contact an experienced Olathe criminal defense lawyer.
