Theft and shoplifting
A theft charge follows you into every application
Shoplifting, petty and grand theft, burglary, receiving stolen property, and check or card charges. We work so the charge doesn't become the headline of your next job search.
Charges we take
Shoplifting and petty theft
Grand theft
Burglary
Receiving stolen property
Check, card and identity charges
What shapes the case
Three questions behind most theft cases
Intent
Taking something by mistake and taking it on purpose are different charges. Intent is the prosecutor's to prove.
Value
The dollar value can move a charge between misdemeanor and felony. We check how it was counted.
Paying it back
Restitution can change how a case ends. We talk through when and how, so paying doesn't hurt you.
What people ask about theft cases
Will a theft charge show on background checks?
A conviction can. Many cases can be resolved in ways that protect your record, and old ones can sometimes be cleared. We tell you which applies.
I paid for it afterward. Is it over?
Not necessarily. Paying doesn't end a case by itself. Don't contact the store; call us first.
What about the store's demand letter?
Many stores send a civil demand after an incident. Send it to us before you pay or reply; it can affect the criminal case.
Bring us the paperwork
The citation, the store letter, the court notice. Photos of them are fine, and we will tell you what each one means.
Please don't send confidential details through this site.