A large portion of alleged misdemeanor crimes involve
theft by shoplifting. O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14 defines the elements necessary to prove theft
by shoplifting. O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14 (a) states in essence that a person
commits the offense of theft by shoplifting when he alone or with the
help of someone else with the intent of appropriating merchandise to his
own use without paying for the same or to deprive the owner of possession
or of the value thereof, in whole or in part does any of the following:
Conceals or take possession of goods at a store or retail establishment
Alters the price tag or other price marking
Transfers the goods or merchandise from one container to another
Interchanges labels or price tags from one item to another
Wrongfully causes the amount paid to be less than the merchant's stated price
In general, if an individual is convicted for shoplifting an item with
a value greater than $300.00, the conviction carries a felony sentence
of one to ten years. If the value of the item is less than $300.00, the
conviction carries a misdemeanor sentence. In many cases, other alternatives
are available, such as pretrial diversion, which may be offered in lieu
of a guilty plea. If you've been arrested for shoplifting, call the
Law Office of Robert L. Booker
today. We will thoroughly review the facts of your case, and honestly
discuss with you all available options in resolving your case. Call today!
