Some people think that taking a little something from a store without paying for it isn’t a big deal. It may shock some to learn that Georgia considers this a very serious crime. Engaging in this kind of behavior can result in significant penalties.
Shoplifting in Georgia can be a misdemeanor or a felony. It encompasses more actions than just walking out with an item that wasn’t paid for. Understanding the basics of shoplifting in this state is critical for anyone who is concerned about being accused of wrongdoing, and those who already have been.
The basics
Shoplifting is done intentionally. While it’s possible to be charged for accidentally forgetting to pay for something, a conviction should include the element of intent.
Under Georgia law, shoplifting includes:
- Concealing or taking possession of goods: This means someone hides or removes items with the intent to steal.
- Altering price tags: Changing the price tag on an item to pay less than the actual price is considered shoplifting.
- Transferring merchandise: Moving items from one container to another, such as placing moving a computer into a box for a ream of paper, is another form of shoplifting.
- Wrongfully causing the amount paid to be less: This includes manipulating checkout systems or working with a cashier to pay less for items.
The main point is that a person who is truly shoplifting deprived the merchant of the money they should have earned by selling the merchandise, and they did so intentionally.
Penalties for shoplifting
The consequences for shoplifting in Georgia depend on the value of the stolen merchandise and the alleged offender’s prior record. The value of the merchandise includes anything that was shoplifted in a three-day period.
- If the value of the stolen items is $500 or less, it is generally charged as a misdemeanor. This can lead to up to a year in jail, fines, and possible community service.
- If the value exceeds $500, or if the offender has a history of shoplifting, it can be charged as a felony. Felony shoplifting can result in 1 to 10 years in prison.
Apart from criminal charges, individuals caught shoplifting may face civil penalties. Georgia law allows retailers to seek restitution through civil courts for the value of the stolen items, plus additional damages. Many stores also have internal policies, such as banning shoplifters from their premises.
Anyone accused of shoplifting should ensure they learn about the options they have for fighting this charge. This may include lack of intent, mistaken identity or other strategies specific to a particular case. Working with a legal representative who can assist with building a defense strategy is important, given all that is at stake.