Portland Shoplifting Defense Attorney

Shoplifting Charges and Penalties

Although some people look upon shoplifting as a less serious offense, it is still classed as theft and thus carries the penalties outlined for this crime in the Oregon Penal Code. It is vital you have a Portland criminal defense attorney working for you and fighting to protect you from the heavy consequences. The severity of the charges and penalties depend mainly on the value of the goods taken and they break down as follows:

• Property valued at less than $50. Theft of the third degree - a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $1250 in fines. (§ 164.043)
• In most cases, property valued up to $750. Second degree theft - a Class A misdemeanor carrying a potential sentence of up to one year in jail and up to $6250 in fines. (§ 164.045)
• Property valued over $750. First degree theft - a Class C felony which can result in up to 5 years in prison and $125,000 in fines. (§ 164.055) The theft of firearms or explosives automatically falls into this category.
• Theft of property valued at over $10,000. Aggravated theft in the first degree - a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines of $250,000.

Immediate Legal Assistance

If you have been charged with shoplifting, or even if you are being held on suspicion of shoplifting, contact Donald Molnar right away. Depending on the specifics of your case, our firm will determine the best approach for maximizing your chances of a successful outcome. If brought in to defend you early enough, we may even be able to prevent charges from being filed at all. If charges have been filed, we will fight aggressively for your rights.

Contact a Portland shoplifting defense lawyer if you have been accused of or charged with shoplifting.