Shoplifting is a crime of intent. It is the intentional taking of a store’s property without having paid for it. It is removing the property without the permission of the store owner with the intent of permanently depriving the store of the property. It is a crime of stealing.
Shoplifting and theft are the most commonly prosecuted property crimes in California. In the retail industry, shoplifting is also known as “five-finger discount”. Many shoplifters are amateurs.
Palm Desert shoplifting of Coachella Valley
Statistics show that about 90% of the U.S. population will commit the crime of shoplifting some time in their lives – pretty scary! In addition, adolescents account for one-half of all cases. Shoplifting causes businesses to lose billions of dollars every year.
Penalties
Shoplifting crimes should not be taken lightly because if found guilty, the individual can face hefty fines and prison time. Shoplifting is charged as a theft and the penalty depends on the amount of the stolen item. An item valued at between $300 and $500 constitutes a petty theft misdemeanor charge. Items with a higher amount constitute a grand theft or larceny felony charge. Prior history is taken into consideration when the penalty is given.
The penalties vary by location and circumstances. A fine can be more than double the value of the stolen item. Jail or prison time and community service are also possibilities. If a minor committed the crime and it was his or her first time, they might receive just a warning.
Sometimes we do things we regret later on. It is always easier after the fact to realize we did something wrong or illegal. A shoplifting charge does not mean you should be treated as a criminal.
Contact an experienced Palm Springs Shoplifting attorney to tell your side of the story, to care about you, and to get you a second chance. The Palm Springs Shoplifting attorneys at The Law Office of Dale Gribow will do just that. A criminal charge can result in a permanent criminal record; make sure you are defended by someone who is familiar with the laws of California.