Some parties view Louisiana’s consequences for shoplifting as less severe than those for other theft crimes. In some ways, this may be the case. The fines and jail time that come along with first, second, and third-time shoplifting convictions are less significant than the consequences for other crimes, but that doesn’t make them any less serious.
If you find yourself facing accusations of shoplifting, it’s important to break down the classification of the charges brought against you as well as the consequences you might face. You can meet with a criminal defense attorney through John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm to determine how these distinctions may impact your fight for freedom.
Defining Theft and Shoplifting
Theft tends to serve as an overarching umbrella term for criminal behavior involving the illegal seizure of another person’s property. Officers and prosecutors have an obligation to prove that a person allegedly engaging in theft fully intended to permanently deprive their victim of an object or financial support.
Shoplifting charges, comparatively, specifically address instances of theft occurring in retail establishments. Prosecutors have an obligation to prove that someone accused of shoplifting purposefully removed items from a retail setting without the knowledge of the seller and with the intent to use those items for personal reasons.
In other words, shoplifting is a subset of theft and, thereby, a more specific crime. Shoplifting also differs from other theft crimes in that it can be one of the least severe variations of theft crimes that thieves commit. While some thieves can leave retail environments with thousands of dollars of goods, most shoplifters engage in less high-stakes heists.
The Consequences of Shoplifting in Louisiana
Shoplifting may not be as severe of a theft crime as other forms of crime in Louisiana, but that doesn’t mean that the Bayou State’s criminal courts aren’t tough on shoplifters. Shoplifting generally constitutes a theft misdemeanor in the eyes of Louisiana justices.
If shoplifters manage to leave a retail environment with more than $1,000 in goods, though, the state may compound the charges brought against the offending party. Parties accused of stealing more than $1,000 in goods from a store may face felony charges.
Law enforcement may further compound the charges brought against shoplifters if those parties can accuse shoplifters of additional crimes, including breaking and entering, battery, and assault. Parties that fail to challenge their initial shoplifting charges or other compound charges may face considerable fines and jail time.
How to Challenge Shoplifting Accusations
If you’re contending with accusations of shoplifting, we recommend that you connect with a Louisiana criminal defense attorney. The criminal defense attorneys with our law firm can walk you through the allegations leveled against you.
You can count on our team to represent your best interests as your case proceeds. We will never take action on your behalf without consulting you first, and we’re here to give you control over how your case proceeds.
You Can Book a Defense Evaluation With a Louisiana Criminal Defense Attorney Today
The consequences for shoplifting may not seem as severe as they are for other theft crimes, but it’s still worth your while to challenge them. Shoplifting convictions can make it more difficult for you to maintain a career, find new work, or even maintain some of your personal relationships.
If you want help challenging Louisiana’s shoplifting charges, get in touch with John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm. We can connect you with a criminal defense attorney who can represent your best interests in and out of the courtroom. You can call (318) 377-1555 or contact us through our website to schedule a case evaluation with our team.