How Long Before You Can Be Arrested for Shoplifting and Charged with Retail Theft in Illinois?

If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in Illinois, you’re probably wondering how long the authorities have before they can arrest and charge you with Retail Theft. As a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over 32 years of experience defending clients across the Chicago area, I can tell you that shoplifting charges—legally known as Retail Theft—can catch people by surprise, especially when the arrest doesn’t happen right away. In this blog, I’ll explain how long the police have to make an arrest, how the law defines Retail Theft, real-life case examples, and what consequences you could be facing. Whether you made a mistake or were falsely accused, understanding your legal situation is the first step toward protecting your future.

What Is Retail Theft in Illinois?

Under Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/16-25), Retail Theft is defined as taking possession of, carrying away, or transferring any merchandise from a retail establishment with the intent to deprive the merchant of the full retail value of that merchandise. This includes: