Shoplifting is Stealing

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The crime of Shoplifting is the unlawful taking of merchandise from a store. Also known as Petty Theft or Grand Theft, Shoplifting is charged as a felony or misdemeanor, depending upon the value of stolen merchandise and the defendant’s criminal record.

Shoplifting is a common offense. It can have embarrassing consequences. Shoplifting can blemish your record and can affect your ability to secure a good job. Most employers are reluctant to hire new employees with a Shoplifting charge on their record.

Shoplifting is not just walking out of a store without paying for goods. Shoplifting includes any form of deception where the defendant did not pay the asking price of the merchandise.

Shoplifting Examples:
Switching price tags
Modifying merchandise labels
Consuming food and concealing the wrappers
Wearing articles of clothing and concealing the tags
Walking out of a store, without paying for goods.
Leaving without paying the bill

SHOPLIFTING STATISTICS
Shoplifting is the number one property crime in America
Over 10% of the public shoplifts
Teen or juveniles make up 25% of all shoplifters
Retailers lose over $20 billion worth of stolen goods each year
Some cities have stiff penalties for shoplifters


Sample Shoplifting Penalties
If you have been caught Shoplifting or convicted of a Petty or Grand Theft crime, you could be facing a variety of Theft Penalties, including:

Criminal Record

Consequences

First Offense
Small fine
1 to 3 years informal probation
Community service
Misdemeanor charge

Second, Third, or Fourth Offense
State prison sentence of 16 months to 3 years
- or -

One year in County jail
Felony charge