Friday, July 4, 2008

Practice Areas Overview

Springfield Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney at Law

"El abogado que habla español"

Every Client is Important

Without an experienced criminal defense lawyer on their side, individuals convicted of shoplifting, car theft or any other theft offense may face severe penalties. Because theft is known as a crime of deception, it can be difficult to maintain employment, obtain future employment or even obtain a loan or apartment once convicted. Therefore, it is essential to have an experienced theft defense lawyer on your side who will advocate for your rights and future.

If you are facing shoplifting charges or other theft charges in Massachusetts, contact Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney at Law to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your rights.

Penalties for Shoplifting and other Theft Offenses

Ryan E. Alekman is a third generation lawyer with years of experience defending clients charged with misdemeanor or felony theft offenses. He explains Massachusetts' laws in simple language, so that clients understand the charges against them and are prepared for the potential outcome of their case.

Shoplifting: Retail theft involving less than $100 is considered shoplifting and is classified as a misdemeanor offense. Individuals convicted of shoplifting will face expensive fines and even jail time for third offense shoplifting. Shoplifting fines include:

  • 1st offense shoplifting: up to $250 fine
  • 2nd offense shoplifting: $100 to $500 fine
  • 3rd offense shoplifting: $500 fine; up to two years in jail
  • Shoplifting in excess of $100: up to $1000 fine, up to two and a half years jail time

Petty larceny/petty theft: Theft involving less than $250 is considered petty larceny and is classified as a misdemeanor offense under Massachusetts law. Individuals convicted of petty theft may face a fine of up to $300 and a jail sentence of up to one year.

Grand larceny/grand theft: Theft involving a retail value that exceeds $250 is considered grand larceny and is classified as a felony offense under Massachusetts law. Individuals convicted of grand theft may face a fine of up to $25,000 and a prison sentence of up to five years.

Protect Your Rights and Future

If you have been arrested for shoplifting or any other theft offense, you deserve to have an experienced and dedicated lawyer on your side. To learn more about your rights or about how attorney Alekman can assist you, please contact our Springfield, Massachusetts, law firm and schedule a free initial consultation.

From offices in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney at Law, represents clients throughout Massachusetts, in communities such as Westfield, Holyoke, Northampton, Belchertown, Boston, Longmeadow, Easthampton, Ludlow, Palmer, Hadley, South Hadley, West Springfield, Greenfield, Amherst, Agawam, Chicopee and other Hampden County communities.