Norristown, Pennsylvania • Retail Theft Defense Attorney

If you are accused of Retail Theft/ Shoplifting, Theft, or Fraud in Montgomery County, PA, the Law Office of Henry S. Hilles, III is prepared to offer outstanding representation to ensure you receive the best possible result.

Seasoned Former Montgomery County, PA Prosecutor

As an Assistant District Attorney in the Major Crimes Unit in Montgomery County, I prosecuted many Retail Theft, Shoplifting, Burglary and Theft cases.  I certainly understand what is required to prove such a case in front of a judge or jury.

It is certainly important that a defense attorney be accomplished in actually trying a theft case.  But it is equally important that an attorney understand the alternative options available for persons charged with such an offense.

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for Retail Theft Cases

I have helped many people accused of Retail Theft avoid the painful consequences of a criminal conviction.  I have been successful in negotiating creative and alternative sentences for clients accused of a first-offense Retail Theft.  One such alternative program is the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program which involves no jail time and reduced probation supervision. 

Importantly, Alternative Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) is considered a non-conviction.  This means that at the conclusion of the program, the charges are legally dismissed and may be expunged from a person’s criminal record.  The Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition (ARD) Program, as it applies to Retail Theft, generally involves probation of either 1 or 2 years along with a fine and some amount of community service. 

Pennsylvania law permits county district attorneys offices to have their own unique criteria and conditions for admission into an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Program.  It is important to understand that cases that may qualify for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) in one county might not for another.  In Montgomery County, PA, people with lawyers may apply for the “ARD Fast Track” Program which can involve better terms and conditions including fewer community service hours.  A criminal defense attorney should be retained prior to the Preliminary Hearing to ensure eligibility for the ARD "Fast Track" Program.

While Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) or a plea bargain is sometimes the best option, it is important to choose an attorney who is not hesitant to take a matter to trial when it is appropriate to do so.  Prosecutors can sense when an attorney is afraid of trial and will be less-inclined to offer the best possible deal.  As both a prosecutor and defense counsel, I have a great deal of experience in trying DUI and other criminal cases. 

However, while a plea bargain or alternative-sentence resolution is sometimes the best option, it is vital that you choose an attorney who is not hesitant to take a matter to trial.  Prosecutors can sense when an attorney is afraid of trial and are less-inclined to offer the best possible deal.  As both a prosecutor and defense counsel, I have a great deal of experience in handling theft-related cases.  I take every case seriously and take pride in providing my clients with outstanding representation.

Theft-related cases for which I am available to help include:

I have also helped juvenile clients accused of violating Pennsylvania Retail Theft and shoplifting laws find satisfactory outcomes in the juvenile court system.

Call 610-270-8800 to Speak to a Pennsylvania Retail Theft Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of shoplifting in Montgomery County, contact Pennsylvania theft crimes defense attorney Henry S. Hilles, III in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Attorney Henry Hilles defends individuals against all Pennsylvania felony and misdemeanor charges, including Drunk Driving/ Driving Under the Influence/ DUI and Accelerated Rehabitative Disposition (ARD) cases, in Montgomery County, PA, as well as Bucks County, Delaware County and Chester County, PA, including the communities of Norristown, King of Prussia, Upper Merion, Lower Merion, Pottstown, Ambler, Upper Gwynedd, Lower Gwynedd, Blue Bell, Collegeville, Hatboro, Horsham, Trooper, Conshohocken, Doylestown, West Chester, Radnor and Wayne.