Retail Theft in Cumberland County: Charges, Penalties, and Your Defense

In Cumberland County, a retail theft charge—whether in Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, or Camp Hill—can lead to jail time, steep fines, and a record that haunts you for years.

What the Law Says
 Retail theft isn’t just about walking out with unpaid merchandise. It includes:

  • Tag-switching
  • Placing items in other containers
  • Altering packaging
  • Skipping items at self-checkout

Penalties in Cumberland County:

  • First Offense (<$150): Summary, up to 90 days in jail 
  • Second Offense / $150–$999: M2, up to 2 years 
  • Third Offense / $1,000+: M1, up to 5 years 
  • Felony (>$2,000 or 3rd+): F3, up to 7 years 

Common Local Cases:

  • Incidents at retail hubs like the Carlisle Pike
  • Allegations involving self-checkout errors
  • Shoplifting arrests involving teens or first-time offenders

Why The McShane Firm?
 We don’t just defend—you get a full strategy to fight the charge, protect your record, and challenge the store’s version of events.

Charged in Cumberland County? Call us today before your preliminary hearing.

Our Clients are entitled to a Bill of Rights which states:

  • Our clients have the right to expect, we will be proactive in communication. You will hear it from us first. We will return all phone calls, texts and emails promptly.
  • Our clients have the right to expect plain speaking, straight shooting. No B. S.
  • Our clients have the right to expect us to do it right the first time, every time.
  • Our clients have the right to expect us to be on time and professionally prepared for all court appearances, and all meetings.
  • Our clients have the right to expect that they will be fully informed at all times.

This is our promise to you. Call today to get us on your side: (717) 657-3900.

PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.