What Happens If A Family Member Shoplifts?

Even though shoplifting is often considered a “lesser offense,” when compared to other crimes, it still comes with its own set of penalties and charges.

By being aware of these penalties, as well as what constitutes shoplifting, it’s easier to understand what might happen to a family member who shoplifts.

What Is Shoplifting? 

Shoplifting is defined as “the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a store, without paying for it.” To go along with this definition, shoplifting is also defined as intentionally paying less for an item than its actual sale price.

Outside of the definitions outlined above, a wide variety of different acts can be, and often are, considered shoplifting. Some of these different acts are as follows:

• Carrying merchandise, with the intention of paying less for it or not paying for it at all.
• Hiding merchandise on one’s person, with the intention of paying less for it or not paying for it at all.
• Concealing merchandise, with the intention of paying less for it or not paying for it at all.

Within the state of Maryland, shoplifting is considered a form of theft. Theft is considered a fairly serious crime in the state of Maryland. As such, if one’s family member is accused of theft, then they should get in touch with a criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

What Are The Penalties And Charges For Shoplifting? 

The act of theft comes with a unique set of penalties and charges, all of which are dependent on the specifics of the theft that has occurred.

Since shoplifting is considered a form of theft, the penalties and charges that apply to crimes of theft  apply to shoplifting, as well.

The penalties and charges for shoplifting – and theft, in general – are as follows:

• When the value of the items shoplifted is less than $100, the family member charged with theft can receive a maximum sentence of 90-days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
• When the value of the items shoplifted is between $100 and $1,500, the family member charged with theft can receive a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a maximum fine of $500.
• When the value of the items shoplifted is between $1,500 and $25,000, the family member charged with theft can receive a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• When the value of the items shoplifted is between $25,000 and $100,000, the family member charged with theft can receive a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.
• When the value of the items shoplifted is over $100,000, the family member charged with theft can receive a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.

To go along with the above, a family member who shoplifts items that are worth less than $1,000 and has two convictions, or more, can receive a maximum sentence of up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $500.

Speak With A Maryland Criminal Lawyer 

Shoplifting may be considered a “lesser offense,” but the penalties it carries can be severe. Speak with a Maryland criminal lawyer at Schlaich & Thompson Chartered and we will assist you, and your family members, in obtaining the best possible legal outcome.

Source:

law.cornell.edu/wex/shoplifting

codes.findlaw.com/md/criminal-law/md-code-crim-law-sect-7-104.html