SHOPLIFTING/RETAIL THEFT

RETAIL THEFT (SHOPLIFTING)

Retail theft is one of the most prevalent offenses committed and charged in suburban areas. At Myers Law Group we specialize in these types of cases. This is especially true in areas with a high density of retail establishments, such as Cranberry Township, Ross Township, Wexford and McCandless. In Pennsylvania, one can be charged with retail theft for:

Shoplifting — Cranberry Township, PA — Myers Law Group

(1) taking possession of, carrying away, transferring or causing to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise from any store with the intention of depriving the store of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise without paying the full retail value thereof;

(2) altering, transferring or removing any label, price tag marking, indicia of value or any other markings which aid in determining value affixed to any merchandise and attempting to purchase such merchandise personally or in consort with another at less than the full retail value with the intention of depriving the merchant of the full retail value of such merchandise;

(3) transferring any merchandise from the container in or on which the same shall be displayed to any other container with intent to deprive the merchant of all or some part of the full retail value thereof;

(4) under-ringing with the intention of depriving the merchant of the full retail value of the merchandise; or

(5) destroying, removing, rendering inoperative or deactivating any inventory control tag, security strip or any other mechanism designed or employed to prevent an offense under this section with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise without paying the full retail value thereof.

While shoplifting may seem like a minor and victimless offense, the courts take retail theft charges seriously. In fact, even if it is a first offense, when the value of the merchandise is $150 or more, retail theft is graded as a misdemeanor of the second degree, which carries a maximum fine of $5,000 and a maximum sentence of two years incarceration. Additionally, even if the amount is less than $150 and graded as a summary offense, under the law, the court is mandated to order that the accused undergo fingerprinting within 5 days of such order, even prior to any hearing, and the record thereof is disseminated to the Pennsylvania State Police and the charging police department.

Further, second or subsequent convictions of retail theft result in higher level charges, including felony level offenses, which come with harsher sentences. As such, if you are charged with retail theft, regardless of whether it is a summary, misdemeanor or felony level offense, it is important to retain an attorney experienced in handling these types of cases. In some instances, an experienced attorney can seek to challenge whether there was probable cause to arrest, negotiate the charges to a lower level grading or seek the withdrawal of charges upon successful completion of programs like ARD or an adjudication alternative program. Call Myers Law Group today at 724-778-7700 for a consultation to handle any of your questions and help to defend your case.