Shoplifting
Shoplifting can occur in several ways. The basis of a shoplifting charge in Georgia is to take possession of the merchandise without paying for it or by otherwise depriving the owner of the possession or value of their merchandise. Shoplifting can be committed individually or by a group of people working together. Specific examples of shoplifting that is addressed in the shoplifting statute are:
To conceal or take possession of merchandise
To alter the price tag of the merchandise
To transfer the merchandise from one container to another
To swap or change price tags on merchandise
Wrongfully cause the amount paid to be less than the stated price
The punishment for shoplifting depends on the value of the goods that were the object of the shoplifting charge. If the shoplifting charge is for less than $300.00 the charge is usually a misdemeanor. If the shoplifting charge is for more than $300.00 then the charge is a felony. However, the shoplifting statute has its own recidivist provisions. This means that for each shoplifting charge after the first, the punishment required by law gets worse. If you have enough shoplifting convictions on your record, you could shoplift something with a value as low as one dollar and it would be considered a felony shoplifting charge. You can also be charged with felony shoplifting if you go on a shoplifting spree during a certain amount of time.
Most retail stores have employees whose job it is to catch people shoplifting. The defense of a shoplifting case usually requires obtaining and watching the store’s security camera system and evaluating the statement of the loss prevention officer. If you have been charged with shoplifting in Forsyth County or any surrounding county you need to discuss your shoplifting case with an experienced defense attorney. Logan Butler is a defense attorney with offices in Forsyth County who is experienced in the defense of shoplifting cases in Forsyth County and the surrounding counties. Logan Butler’s experience as a defense attorney and former prosecutor will help you develop the best defense to your shoplifting case. Contact Logan Butler today to discuss the best defense possible to your shoplifting case in Forsyth County or any surrounding county.
