When you pick up shoplifting charges, first offense or not, you’re probably extremely concerned about what happens next. The good news: You can call a shoplifting defense attorney right now and get legal advice. You don’t have to research possible outcomes on the internet or ask friends and family what’s likely to happen – you can get in touch with a lawyer who knows that every case is different.
But if you’re not quite ready to call a lawyer about your first offense shoplifting charges, here’s a little information to help you understand what the law says and how it applies to you.
Shoplifting Charges: First Offense in Wisconsin
Shoplifting is officially called retail theft, and whether it’s your first offense, your second, or your fifth, the penalties you’re facing depend on the value of the property you’re accused of taking.
If the value of the property you’re accused of taking is less than $100, you’ll most likely be given a ticket. You’ll have to pay a fine. However, when you’re accused of retail theft of $100 or more in goods or services, you’ll be facing serious criminal charges. For most people, that’s when it’s time to call an attorney.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the value of property and the type of crime you’ll be charged with.
- Merchandise with a combined retail value of under $500: Class A misdemeanor. You may have to serve up to 9 months in jail and pay fines of up to $5,000.
- Merchandise with a combined retail value of between $500 and $5,000: Class I felony. You may have to serve up to 3 years, 6 months imprisonment and pay fines of up to $10,000.
- Merchandise with a combined retail value of more than $5,000 and less than $10,000: Class H felony. You may have to serve up to 6 years of imprisonment and pay fines of up to $10,000.
- Merchandise with a combined retail value of more than $10,000: Class G felony. You may have to serve up to 10 years of imprisonment and pay fines of up to $25,000.
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Shoplifting Charges (First Offense or Subsequent Offense)?
If you’ve been accused of shoplifting, we may be able to help you. Call our experienced attorneys at 414-383-6700 or get in touch with us online for a free case review right now. We’ll answer your questions about retail theft and give you the advice you need.
