Savannah GA Shoplifting Lawyer

Shoplifting in Georgia

 

Shoplifting may seem to some to be a small-time juvenile type of transgression, but the fact is that it is a significant problem that the state of Georgia does not take lightly in any way, shape, or form. Shoplifting is a type of theft like any other, and there are both misdemeanor and felony varieties of the charge of theft by shoplifting in Georgia. Of course, shoplifting is broadly defined as the stealing of an item from a retail store. This would imply that the act of actually taking an item out of the store surreptitiously without paying for it is the only way to commit the crime of shoplifting. However, less overt actions like switching price tags, or moving the contents of one container to another can meet the legal definition of theft by shoplifting as well.

 

As it is with many forms of theft, the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor charge of theft by shoplifting largely lies in the value of the item that has been stolen. If the stolen goods were valued at $300 or less, the charge is misdemeanor theft by shoplifting; if the item or items stolen were worth more than $300, it is then a felony theft by shoplifting charge. The other ways that one can be charged with the felony variety of theft by shoplifting is upon their fourth offense, even if the stolen goods were worth less than $300, and when the accused has stolen items that are worth at least a total of $100 from three separate retailers within a week-long period, all in the same county.

 

Going back to the possible perception that shoplifting is "no big deal," guess again: a charge of felony shoplifting can result in a jail sentence of between one and ten years of your life. Anyone who is convicted of a fourth shoplifting charge must serve a mandatory minimum term of one year in jail. Theft by shoplifting is a charge that can ruin a person's future while taking away their present, so the minute you find yourself facing a shoplifting charge, contact an experienced Savannah Georgia criminal defense attorney who has the expertise to guide you toward the best course of action.

 

If you are suspected of or charged with shoplifting in GA, then contact a seasoned Savannah criminal lawyer immediately.