Over 30 Years
Experience as a
Criminal Attorney
Former Prosecutor
Illinois Retail Theft & Shoplifting Attorney
Retail theft, or shoplifting, occurs when an individual unlawfully removes merchandise from a retail store without paying the full retail value for it. In Illinois, this crime is often charged as a misdemeanor. If the merchandise is worth more than $300 or the accused is a repeat offender, however, it can be charged as a felony. At the Law Offices of Peter M. Tumminaro, we are experienced in handling all types of retail theft cases. We build personalized relationships with our clients and work hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for their case.
Effective Defense in Retail Theft
There are a number of ways a person can be charged for retail theft. These include:
- Taking merchandise without paying
- Making illegitimate returns
- Changing or exchanging price tags
- Failing to return leased items
- Applying unauthorized discounts (by an employee of the store)
No matter what the circumstances of a retail theft charge, it is possible to create a successful defense. Our firm explores every angle to obtain a favorable result for our clients’ cases. Often retail theft charges can be reduced or dismissed before trial based on lack of evidence and other circumstances. We are skilled in identifying opportunities to give our clients the upper hand in their cases. A former prosecutor, Attorney Peter M. Tumminaro uses his experience in the State’s Attorney’s office to benefit his clients.
Theft Case Successes
In a Misdemeanor case of Theft in Cook County a client was found not guilty after a trial because of insufficient evidence that the client was guilty.
In a Misdemeanor Retail Theft case in DuPage County the prosecutor dismissed the charges pretrial because of insufficient evidence.
Penalties for Retail Theft in Illinois
Whether an incident of retail theft is charged as a misdemeanor or felony, the penalties can be severe. A misdemeanor conviction carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and a fine of $2,500. A felony conviction can result in a sentence of 1-3 years in prison and a find of $25,000. Neither charge can be later expunged or sealed.If you or a loved one is arrested for retail theft in DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will, McHenry or Kendall County, contact us right away to start building your defense. A conviction on a retail theft charge can have broad negative consequences for your future. Let us help you get past this challenge and move on with your life.
How Can We Help You?
The Law Offices of Peter M. Tumminaro located in Roselle, Illinois provides aggressive criminal defense and DUI representation throughout Illinois, Chicago and All surrounding suburbs including Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Kane County, Will County and McHenry County, and the communities of Chicago, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Rosemont, Chicago Heights, Des Plaines, Elgin, Oak Brook, Barrington, Palos Hills, Oak Lawn, Park Ridge, Buffalo Grove, Lisle, Bloomingdale, Addison, Elmhurst, Naperville, Joliet, Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, St. Charles, Rolling Meadows, Skokie, Bridgeview, Maywood, Markham, Waukegan, Niles, Mundelein, Streamwood, Glenview, Glendale Heights, Mount Prospect, Carol Stream, Deerfield, Orland Park, Wheeling, La Grange, Brookfield, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Northbrook, Vernon Hills and Norridge.
