Though a shoplifting charge can seem like a small fish to fry when compared to other criminal charges, it is still essential to work with an attorney. Shoplifting charges can have a substantial impact on your life over the long term. I offer criminal defense services for individuals that are being charged with shoplifting, or also known as retail theft. Here are a few of the reasons why you need an attorney to help you through the process of being charged with shoplifting.

May Have a Range of Consequences

Shoplifting charges cover a large spectrum of circumstances. Due to this, they are also liable to have a broad range of consequences. These consequences can range from fines and community service to more serious jail time. Due to the broad array of consequences that you can potentially experience from your shoplifting charge, you will need to ensure that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you throughout the process. 

Different Severities

The range of consequences is generally caused by the different severities of retail theft charges. For example, on the less severe end, you may be charged with a misdemeanor for petty theft or other similar charges. Alternatively, an extreme case may even be a felony. A felony charge can have an extreme impact on your life over time, which is an additional reason why you need to work with an attorney to ensure that you have the best possible defense throughout your case. I can help to ensure that you are able to construct the best defense throughout your particular situation. 

Often Depends on Situation

The outcome of your situation will depend on many different factors. The value of the item stolen tends to have a substantial impact on the severity of the crime. Though exact numbers will fluctuate between states, more valuable items tend to result in more severe consequences. In Utah, retail theft is an enhanceable charge, meaning that the court can consider any prior offenses that you may have had, which could cause more serious ramifications in your case. I can help you to determine these factors and construct your defense accordingly. 

Serious Consequences Even for a First Offense

Jail time is unlikely for a first-time shoplifting offense, but it is still possible. Jail time can cause substantial disruption to your life that can cause an impact to the foreseeable future. Since you may potentially face time in jail after being charged with retail theft, you will need to ensure that you work closely with me to develop the best defense. I can help you to ensure the best outcome for your own situation. 

Knowledge of Laws

Your retail theft case can be difficult to navigate, especially if you are unfamiliar with the relevant laws. Working with a criminal defense attorney will provide you with access to a comprehensive knowledge of these laws. I can help to ensure that you are familiar with what you may expect throughout your particular case. Knowledge is power, especially when you are facing criminal charges. Receiving expert guidance throughout your shoplifting charge is essential in obtaining the best outcome for your own situation. 

Provide a Proper Defense

Your defense can make all the difference in your particular situation. Without an attorney, it is unlikely that you will be able to develop a proper defense that will help with your case. I can help you to create the right defense for your own situation. In addition to this, I will be able to advocate for you throughout your process. Being charged with shoplifting can often feel like everyone in the courtroom is against you. By working with an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can ensure that you have someone on your side. I am passionate about providing you with the ideal criminal defense services to meet all of the needs of your criminal charge. It is important to work with an attorney when you are facing a retail theft charge. I can help to ensure that you are able to build an effective defense to aid with your own situation. Shoplifting charges can result in serious consequences, even for a first time offense. Working with a criminal defense attorney can help you to obtain the ideal outcome for your situation and minimize potential problems that can impact your future. For more information about why it is important to work with an attorney for your retail theft case, contact me at Zachary C. Holbrook, P.C. today!

Sexual harassment charges can come with incredibly serious consequences that can impact your life. If you are being wrongfully accused of sexual harassment, it is essential to obtain the services of a criminal defense attorney to represent you throughout the case. I have the expertise necessary to ensure that you receive the appropriate guidance throughout your sexual harassment charge. When you are facing a sexual harassment charge, it is important to contact me at Zachary C. Holbrook, P.C. for the right services. Here are a few of the things that you need to know about sexual harassment charges. 

When Sexual Harassment is Considered a Crime

Sexual harassment charges are across a wide spectrum and there are often different consequences to consider for the various types. In some situations, the charge will result in detrimental action in the workplace, while other situations may actually be considered a criminal charge. It is important to understand which types of sexual harassment can be considered a crime, because these situations will certainly require the services of a criminal defense attorney. Rape, assault and battery, stalking, pornography dealing with children in any way, and some forms of bullying will fall under the criminal category. False imprisonment is another charge that is usually considered a crime. This is essentially when you limit the freedom of another person, such as restricting their movement or physically restraining them. 

Behaviors that may be Considered Sexual Harassment

Though the previous activities are those that are often consider criminal offenses, there are more behaviors that can be considered sexual harassment in the workplace. Though it is possible that there won’t be criminal charges for these behaviors, it is still possible that you will face substantial consequences in the workplace following these charges. Some of these behaviors include using offensive gestures or language, making jokes of a sexual nature, discussing sexual activities, or even commenting on the appearance of another person. In addition, any touching that is unwelcome, especially of an inappropriate nature, can be sexual harassment. Quid pro quo situations, essentially offering a promotion or job security in exchange for sex, are also considered sexual harassment. 

Understand the Severity of your Situation

Any sexual harassment charge is important to take seriously. These actions can have serious legal ramifications in your life. They can impact your capacity to get a job in a particular field or result in many other extreme situations. For example, certain sexual harassment charges could result in the possibility of you being required to register as a sex offender. Also, your charge may possibly include a protective order against you, which could keep you from obtaining or maintaining a concealed weapons permit. When you are aware of the severity of your situation, you will take the appropriate steps to receive guidance and protection through this situation. I can provide you with the appropriate criminal defense services to guide you through this process. 

Hire an Experienced Attorney

An experienced attorney can make a substantial difference to the outcome of your situation. Since sexual harassment charges can have such severe consequences, it is extremely important to ensure that you work with an experienced professional to help you achieve the best possible outcome. I have experience in a broad array of criminal defense cases, which can help you to receive the right guidance through your charge. 

Compile a List of Witnesses

Witnesses can be extremely beneficial to protect you through your process. If you have anyone that would serve as a witness, either as a character witness or a witness of the event you are being charged with, you will want to create a list. It will be beneficial to list their names and contact information to help expedite the process. 

Gather Evidence

Evidence is a critical component of your charge. When you are facing a sexual harassment charge, it will be incredibly important to ensure that you gather as much evidence as possible for your situation. This may include a wide array of items, such as emails, videos, text messages, and more. I can help to provide you with further guidance regarding the evidence that you should focus on compiling to prepare for your case. 

Educate Yourself

Researching sexual harassment charges can be incredibly beneficial in helping you throughout this process. This will help to ensure that you know what to expect during your sexual harassment case. Asking me questions about what may happen during your particular case can go a long way toward increasing your preparation and helping to protect you throughout your case. 

Sexual harassment cases can lead to severe consequences. Due to the enormity of these situations, it is absolutely critical to work with an experienced attorney to make it through your case. I offer representation for your sexual harassment case to ensure that you can achieve the best possible outcome. For more information about the right steps to take when you are facing a sexual harassment charge, contact me today!

Expungement is a valuable process that can help to reduce the impact that your criminal record can have on your future. It is important to work with an experienced criminal law attorney to determine eligibility for expungement and to identify the outcome that it may have on your life. I am knowledgeable regarding the various legal processes that can help you to move forward after your criminal conviction. Here are a few important things to keep in mind about the expungement process. 

Your Criminal Record Can Haunt You

Many people find that their criminal record can haunt them over time. It can make it difficult for them to obtain a good job or work in certain fields. This impact may be further compounded when the original conviction was in a juvenile court and the record follows the individual into their adult life. Working with me can help you to find the appropriate avenue for moving beyond your criminal conviction and rebuilding your life. 

Eligibility for Expungement

Determining whether or not you are eligible for expungement will depend largely on the crime and several other factors. For example, felonies are much more difficult to expunge than other types of crimes. Each state will also have different laws regarding expungement, so some cases may be eligible for expungement in certain states but not in others. The crime committed will further impact the eligibility for expungement. For example, first degree felonies such as homicides, various types of sexual crimes, or certain crimes against people are not eligible for expungement in the state of Utah. It will also be important to keep in mind the time that has passed since the initial conviction. Most states, including Utah, require the individual to serve their sentence or pay their fines before they will be eligible to file for expungement. The expungement period does not begin until the latter of both have been completed. I can help you to go over the details of your case and identify if you are eligible for expungement. 

Benefits of Expungement

There are many reasons why states have begun to see a reform toward expungement laws. Expungement comes with a great deal of benefits for both an individual and their larger community. Having your conviction expunged can help to prevent barriers to obtaining employment, housing, or an array of other processes. On a larger scale, it is economically advantageous for citizens to be able to be employed. These are just a few of the benefits of expungement. If you are considering expungement, it can be extremely beneficial to consult with me to learn about how this process can improve your particular situation. 

What is Expungement?

In order to determine if seeking an expungement is the right choice for you, it is crucial to understand what an expungement is. To expunge something is to erase it or otherwise remove it completely. Legal expungement, therefore, is a situation in which the record of your criminal conviction is sealed from the state or federal record. When you are awarded an expungement, the court will be ordered to treat the initial criminal conviction as though it had never occurred in the first place.

A Legal Pardon

A legal pardon is not the same thing as an expungement. When a legal pardon is awarded, it is essentially extending “forgiveness” for a crime. These situations do not dictate that the crime didn’t take place and, in fact, accepting a pardon often includes formally admitting that the crime did occur. 

Usually a State Affair

In most situations, an expungement will take place at the state level. Federal crimes are incredibly difficult to have expunged. It is also important to note that every state will have different laws that will impact your eligibility to obtain an expungement for your particular case. The most common reasons that people seek expungements are for juvenile records or drug-related crimes. Other crimes may be eligible for an expungement, but these are the most popular reasons. I am knowledgeable about the process in Utah and can help to provide you with the best services to guide you through this process. 

Number of Convictions

It is important to remember that the number of criminal convictions on your record will affect your ability to obtain an expungement. The degree of your convictions will also influence whether you will be eligible to receive an expungement or not. This is a key reason why it is crucial to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to obtain an expungement. You will not want to go through the process only to find out you are not eligible due to the number or nature of your criminal convictions. 

Limitations of Expungements 

Though expungements can certainly be valuable additions to your case, it is important to note that they do have their limitations. Expungements are concerned solely with the court. Being awarded an expungement won’t remove the information about the crime from the social media, press, Google, or other public areas. So while this can remove the crime from your record, it can’t necessarily prevent other people from finding out about the crime. You can consult with me to learn more about the potential limitations of expungements and what the best approach will be for your particular situation. 

When you intend to seek an expungement, it will be essential to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. I can help to provide you with the best guidance throughout the process. There are additional reasons that you should consider the services of an attorney, such as for assistance with your DUI case, especially for commercial DUIs and DUIs with enhanced penalties. To learn more about expungement and the advantages of working with a criminal defense attorney, contact me today!