Have You Been Charged with Shoplifting in Hampshire or Franklin County?​

A shoplifting charge must be taken seriously, even if it’s your first offense. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ll only receive a slap on the wrist. Theft-related crimes are prosecuted aggressively in Massachusetts. Depending on whether your shoplifting charge is categorized as a misdemeanor or felony, the penalties you face may include imprisonment, fines, probation, and restitution.

A shoplifting conviction will leave a permanent mark on your record which can affect you in ways you may not realize. Because shoplifting is considered a crime of  “moral turpitude,” you may be seen as a dishonest or untrustworthy person. This attack on your character can jeopardize your relationships, career, and self-worth for years to come.

If you were arrested for shoplifting or received a summons in the mail to appear at a clerk magistrate hearing, it’s important to seek legal counsel right away.

At the Law Office of Criminal Defense Attorney Thomas Kokonowski, we are not here to judge. You may have genuinely forgotten to pay for an item when leaving the store or maybe you did take steal something but later regretted your actions. Whatever the circumstances of your case, you are entitled to a strong defense.

As a former prosecutor with 25 years of criminal law experience under his belt, criminal defense attorney Tom Kokonowski is ready to exhaust every possible defense to clear you of the charges or minimize the impact of any penalties.

Call today to setup a free consultation. For Northhampton, call: 413-585-9200. For Amherst, 413-549-0022

Defining Shoplifting in Massachusetts 

Under Chapter 266 Section 30A of the Massachusetts General Laws, it is illegal to “intentionally conceal, take possession of, carry away, transfer or cause to be carried away” any merchandise without paying the merchant.