Stolen Retail Items During the Holidays Could Result in Felony Charges

 Posted on December 07, 2016 in Theft

During the holiday season there is a noticeable spike in the instances of retail theft. For whatever reason, people are more likely to shoplift in November and December than at any other time of the year. Ahigher rate of foot traffic in stores around the holidaysmakesit easier to commit retail theft. Moreover,there are a lot of pressures placed on people this time of the year, which can drive them to committing an act of shoplifting.

According to MarketWatch, the most commonly stolen items around the holidays in the United States include:

• Electronics and electronics accessories, such as cell phone cases, headphones, etc.;
• Winter or leather clothing;
• Meat, seafood, alcohol and chocolates;
• Children’s toys; and
• Perfume or cologne.

Ultimately, many of these items, such as electronics and electronic accessories, leather clothing, and some children’s toys, can be greatly valued. It is not uncommon for electronics to cost hundreds of dollars, which might be part of the reason why someone would steal these items from a store in the first place.

What is Felony Retail Theft in Illinois?

In regards to retail theft in Illinois, the severity of the crime depends on the value of the item, or collection of items, that is stolen. According to 720 ILCS 5/16-25, stealing an item from a store that is valued at more than $300 puts you at risk of being charged and convicted of felony retail theft. Simply stealing a cell phone, a handheld video gaming device, or an Apple product, would be valued high enough to charge you with a felony level offense.

The Consequences

Shoplifting can result in serious consequences. You will face jail time, be charged with a fine, and will have a criminal record that will follow you around for many years—a record in whichfuture employers and landlords will likely find in a background check. Moreover,the consequences of getting caught shoplifting will also affect your family and loved ones, since they will need to help you through your arrest, trial, and possibly your jail sentence. The consequences extend even further than that as well. In order to make up for losses resulting from retail theft, retailers often markup the cost of itemsthat they sell, which means that all customers have to pay higher prices.

Contact Us for Help with Your Case

Getting caught shoplifting can ruin your holidays. Not only will you be arrested and charged with a crime, but your family will also have to deal with the consequences of your actions, which can really dampen the holiday spirit. If you are facing shoplifting charges this holiday season, then you need to get in touch with an experienced Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Source:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-bizarre-things-americans-steal-during-the-holidays-2016-10-31