What You Need to Know About Shoplifting Charges
Look at most local police blotters and you’ll find one story in common. Shoplifting charges seem to be growing in epidemic proportions. Sadly, many involve people stashing away groceries to feed their families.
We are intentionally not providing you with a recent news article documenting local shoplifting arrests. We do not wish to bring attention to those who have been accused and not yet found guilty. However, one Union County police department cited a total of six arrests in a week. Three involved shoplifting from a grocery store.
Of course, shoplifting is not just confined to food. It can involve personal product items, clothing, electronics or toys. The list goes on. If you are accused of shoplifting, it is important that you know the significance of the charges.
Understanding the Consequences of Shoplifting Charges
In order to understand the consequences of shoplifting charges, it is important to first understand what constitutes shoplifting. According to the law, it is just not a matter of walking out with merchandise and failing to pay for it. Here’s a summation of the definition:
- Removing merchandise offered for sale without the intent of paying for it.
- Concealing merchandise with the intent of removing it from the store.
- Changing price tags to alter the cost of an item.
- Moving merchandise from one container to a lower priced one.
- Under-ringing the cost of an item.
- Removing a shopping cart from a store.
The penalties for shoplifting are determined by the retail value of the items. Obviously, stiffer fines are assessed at a higher value. Someone who is accused of shoplifting items in excess of $75,000 faces the penalties associated with a second degree crime. They could be facing five to ten years of incarceration, together with fines, restitution and community service.
Some retail establishments will not press charges for first time offenders of small merchandise. However, others are not so kind. A shoplifting charge involving retail items under $200 is considered a disorderly persons offense. There is the possibility that a conviction could mean six months in jail.
Contact Us
Have you or a loved one been accused of shoplifting? At the Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo, we have represented many clients accused of this offense. We believe that it is important to secure experienced legal advice. Contact us to see how we can assist you.