Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Being charged with theft or shoplifting in Chicago can leave you feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, and unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a first offense or you’ve faced charges before, the impact of a criminal conviction on your record can be significant. Illinois prosecutors don’t take these cases lightly, especially when repeat offenses or larger dollar amounts are involved. That’s why one of the most important steps you can take is hiring the right criminal defense attorney — someone who understands how Cook County courts operate and knows how to defend your rights at every turn.
Here’s what you need to know about finding the right legal help when facing theft or shoplifting charges in Chicago.
Why You Should Never Face Theft Charges Alone
Theft and retail theft charges in Illinois can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Under Illinois law, theft is generally charged under 720 ILCS 5/16-1, and shoplifting (or retail theft) falls under 720 ILCS 5/16-25. Even a minor offense can carry jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. And if the value of the stolen property is over $300 or if you’ve had prior convictions, the case may be charged as a felony.
Without a lawyer, you may not understand the full impact of a guilty plea or how to challenge the prosecution’s case. You could miss the opportunity to get charges reduced, dismissed, or resolved in a way that keeps your record clean. That’s why hiring a defense attorney is not just a good idea — it’s essential.
Look for Experience With Theft and Shoplifting Cases
Not every criminal defense lawyer handles theft-related cases regularly. You want someone who knows the specific statutes and how retail theft cases are prosecuted in Cook County. Ask how often they handle shoplifting cases. Ask what kinds of results they’ve been able to achieve.
An attorney who is familiar with retail theft cases will know the common weaknesses in prosecution strategies — such as lack of intent, mistaken identity, faulty surveillance footage, or store security procedures that don’t hold up in court. They’ll also understand how diversion programs, deferred prosecution, or other sentencing alternatives may apply to your case.
Find a Lawyer Who Knows the Local Court System
Chicago criminal courts operate differently than those in the suburbs. A lawyer who regularly appears in the Cook County criminal courthouse — whether it’s at 26th and California or one of the suburban district courts — is more likely to know the judges, prosecutors, and procedures that can affect your case. This local knowledge can be a valuable advantage.
If your attorney is known and respected in the courthouse, they may be able to have conversations with prosecutors that a lesser-known attorney can’t. They might also know how a specific judge tends to handle theft cases, which can help when crafting a defense strategy or negotiating a plea deal.
Ask the Right Questions During Your Consultation
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential attorneys, schedule a consultation — and come prepared with questions. You want to understand not just their experience, but how they’ll approach your case specifically. Ask questions like:
- How many theft or shoplifting cases have you handled in the last year?
- What are the possible outcomes for a case like mine?
- Have you helped clients avoid jail or a conviction in similar cases?
- What will your defense strategy be based on the facts I’ve given you?
- What will the total legal fees be, and what’s included?
These questions will help you get a feel for the attorney’s communication style, their honesty about possible outcomes, and whether you feel confident putting your case in their hands.
Make Sure the Lawyer Gives You a Clear Strategy
During your consultation, the attorney should be able to give you a roadmap of how they plan to approach your case. This doesn’t mean promising a result — no lawyer can do that. But they should walk you through the steps of the process, potential legal defenses, and how they’ll handle each stage of your case.
If the attorney is vague, avoids answering questions, or seems more focused on getting paid than on helping you, that’s a red flag. You want someone who is realistic, responsive, and willing to fight for the best possible outcome.
Understand the Possible Defenses to Theft Charges
The best criminal defense attorneys don’t just try to negotiate a plea — they look for real ways to beat the case. In theft and shoplifting cases, that might include arguing:
- You didn’t intend to steal anything
- You mistakenly left the store with unpaid items
- You were misidentified by store security or surveillance
- The value of the items was wrongly calculated
- Your rights were violated during the arrest or search
Your lawyer should know how to explore each of these defenses and gather the evidence needed to support them — whether it’s reviewing store video, challenging witness statements, or filing motions to suppress evidence that was illegally obtained.
Look for Strong Communication and Personal Attention
Facing criminal charges is stressful. You want an attorney who will keep you updated, return your calls, and explain what’s happening at every step. Ask how the attorney communicates with clients — do they respond to calls and emails quickly? Will they be handling your case personally, or handing it off to someone else?
You deserve an attorney who treats your case like it matters, not just another file in a stack. Someone who listens, takes your concerns seriously, and helps you understand your options.
What Happens After You Hire a Lawyer
Once you hire a defense attorney for your theft or shoplifting charge, they’ll begin reviewing the police report, surveillance footage, witness statements, and any other evidence the prosecution plans to use. They may file motions to challenge the stop, search, or arrest. They’ll handle all court appearances and keep you informed along the way.
In some cases, they’ll negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss the charges. In others, they’ll prepare the case for trial. Your attorney’s job is to protect your rights, build a strong defense, and push for the best possible outcome — whether that’s avoiding a conviction, reducing the charges, or keeping the offense off your record entirely.
Don’t Let a Theft Charge Define Your Future
A theft or shoplifting charge doesn’t have to ruin your life. But ignoring it or handling it without the right legal help can make things worse. Whether the charge is based on a misunderstanding, a mistake in judgment, or false accusations, you have the right to defend yourself — and the right lawyer can make all the difference.
Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg Today
If you’ve been charged with theft or shoplifting in Chicago or Cook County, don’t wait. The sooner you hire a defense attorney, the better your chances of avoiding a conviction. The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg offers free consultations 24/7 and brings decades of criminal defense experience to every case. Call us at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 to speak with an attorney today. We defend clients throughout Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County.
