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Shoplifting Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation
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Philadelphia Shoplifting Lawyer

Shoplifting Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Challenging Retail Theft Accusations Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Shoplifting is a serious criminal charge which subjects you to civil liability, in addition to the punishment inflicted upon you by the criminal courts. Shoplifting is not a joke. Law enforcement and prosecutors take it seriously, and aggressively pursue violators. The Philadelphia shoplifting attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin tenaciously defends you against shoplifting charges that could put you in jail and destroy your future.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

    They make my concerns their concerns.
    “Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”
    - Leslie L.
    The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
    “I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”
    - RB
    They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
    “Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”
    - Former Client
    Michael is superb! Great attorney, great team, great job.
    “Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”
    - Ninel B.
    Guided me through the process for a success.
    “Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”
    - Frank A.
    Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
    “This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”
    - Sewall M. Jr.
    You should not go anywhere else.
    “This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue.  can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”
    - Bennie H.
    They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
    “I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”
    - Quiana

Philadelphia Shoplifting Charges are Serious

Shoplifting is actually classified as a retail theft crime under Pennsylvania law. The crime defined as taking merchandise from any retail store or other retail establishment without paying its owner. An essential element of the crime is the intent to deprive the owner of the merchandise of its full retail value.

Most people associate shoplifting with removing merchandise by concealing and not paying for it, but there are other forms of conduct that are prohibited by the law. For instance, removing a price tag from an item and replacing it with one taken from a lower priced one is a form of shoplifting because you are not paying the merchant the retail value.

Shoplifting Penalties Under Pennsylvania Law

Penalties for shoplifting depend upon the value of the merchandise that was taken and the criminal record of the person accused of the crime. A person with no criminal record who is charged with taking merchandise with a value of less than $150 may be charged with a summary offense punishable by a maximum jail term of 90 days and a fine up to $300. Other charges and penalties include:

  • Shoplifting merchandise valued at less than $150 by someone with one prior conviction is punishable by a fine up to $5,000 and two years in prison as a second degree misdemeanor.
  • Shoplifting merchandise valued at more than $150 by someone with up to one prior conviction is punishable as a first degree misdemeanor with a fine up to $10,000 and five years in prison.
  • Shoplifting merchandise of any value by someone with two or more prior convictions is punishable as a third degree felony with a fine up to $15,000 and seven years in prison.
  • Shoplifting a gun or taking merchandise valued at more than $2,000 is also a third degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines up to $15,000.

Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorneys Undaunted by The Challenges

Pennsylvania gives an advantage to prosecutors in shoplifting cases. The law allows judges or jurors to presume that a person who intentionally conceals merchandise before paying for it is doing so in order to take it. The presumption applies even if the accused has not left the store.

Our defense team is up to any challenge the law or prosecutors can throw at us. Our focus is on winning, regardless of presumptions or the apparent strength of the case prosecutors have filed against you. Michael T. van der Veen and his team of leading Philadelphia theft defense attorneys have built their reputation as relentless, hard-working and devoted advocates for clients by winning the cases that others are reluctant to take on.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen
From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shoplifting Charges

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

  • Shoplifting—legally referred to as retail theft—includes more than just walking out of a store with unpaid merchandise. It also includes concealing items, altering or swapping price tags, transferring goods into different containers to avoid paying full price, or even under-ringing items at self-checkout. Any intentional act meant to deprive a retailer of the full value of its merchandise can be charged as retail theft.
  • Penalties depend on the value of the merchandise and your prior record. For first-time offenders taking items worth under $150, the offense is a summary charge with up to 90 days in jail and a $300 fine. With prior convictions or higher-value items, charges escalate to misdemeanors or even felonies—punishable by years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Theft of firearms or goods valued over $2,000 is automatically a felony.
  • Yes. Pennsylvania law allows a presumption of intent to steal if someone knowingly conceals merchandise while inside the store. This means you can be charged even if you never made it past the checkout line or store doors. A skilled defense attorney can challenge this presumption and the evidence used to support it.
  • Absolutely. Common defenses include lack of intent, honest mistake, misidentification, unlawful search or detention by store personnel, or insufficient evidence. An experienced shoplifting defense attorney can evaluate whether the prosecution’s case meets the legal burden of proof and develop a strategy to weaken or defeat the charges against you.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand
    "I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
    "this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
    "He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
    "He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany

the complete coverage advantage

  • Full-Spectrum
    Law

    From criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.

  • Values-Driven
    Practice

    From pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.

  • Human-Centered
    Advocacy

    We stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.

  • High-Caliber
    Results

    Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

Trial Lawyers Excelling in the Areas of Law Most Critical to You and Your Family
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