Title: Shoplifting Laws and Punishments | ExpertLaw
Headings: Shoplifting Laws and Punishments
Shoplifting Laws and Punishments
Contents
What is Shoplifting
When Can Shoplifting Result in More Serious Charges
Detention by a Store for Shoplifting
What is the Punishment for Shoplifting
Criminal Penalties
Civil Penalties
Civil Demand Laws
Trespass Bans
Retail Theft Databases
Defenses to Shoplifting Charges
What Should You Do if Charged With Shoplifting

Content: When a store detains a shoplifter, sometimes a cooperative and apologetic attitude will allow a suspect to convince the merchant not to involve the police, but to let the suspect go with a warning or with only civil consequences, such as a civil demand or trespass warning. The more combative, belligerent and argumentative the suspect, the more likely it becomes that the police will be called. A suspect who applies physical force to a store employee may potentially be charged with an additional offense, such as battery, or may find that their actions result in a misdemeanor shoplifting charge becoming a felony robbery charge. Back to top
What is the Punishment for Shoplifting
The penalties for shoplifting come in two forms: criminal and civil. Criminal punishments result from a prosecution for shoplifting, and potentially include such consequences as fines, incarceration, and community service. Civil penalties include the potential for a civil demand from the merchant, as well as the potential for being banned from entering a particular store or chain of stores. Criminal Penalties
The punishment a court will impose for shoplifting will depend upon factors including the exact charge filed against the defendant, the full facts of the case, the defendant's prior criminal and police record, and the policies of the local prosecutor and court. However, for most defendants convicted of first offense misdemeanor shoplifting, the defendant can expect to be sentenced to probation, to be ordered to pay fines and court assessments, and perhaps to perform community service or participate on a county work crew. Shoplifters should be aware that judges in some jurisdictions may be inclined to sentence even a first offense shoplifter to jail as a message that the community takes shoplifting seriously.