The first way is the typical shoplifting situation: while inside the shop, the defendant removes goods from any place within the establishment without paying for the items. The second way shoplifting can be committed is charging the items to a fictitious person’s account, or to a real person’s account without that person’s authority. Third, paying less than the purchase price of the goods by some trick like altering, removing, or changing the price tag. Fourth, transferring the goods from one container to another, or simply concealing the goods qualifies as “Shoplifting” under the statute.

The statute creates a rebuttable presumption that if the defendant concealed un-purchased items on himself or another person while inside the store, or the defendant used some instrument, container, device or other article to facilitate the shoplifting, that the defendant intended to knowingly shoplift. If the merchant or his employee has “reasonable cause” to believe that someone is shoplifting in their store, they may detain a person in a reasonable manner for a reasonable amount of time for questioning or summoning of law enforcement. This is called the “shopkeepers privilege.” A person who was wrongfully held in the store (i.e. they were not shoplifting) cannot sue the store for unlawful detention or false arrest so long as the shopkeeper, security guard, employee, or police officer had reasonable cause to believe the suspect was shoplifting.

Need a Phoenix Shoplifting Lawyer? Contact DM Cantor if you have been charged with Shoplifting. Call 602-307-0808 for a Free Initial Consultation.

Possible Punishment for Shoplifting

If the items shoplifted have a value of more than $2,000.00, the defendant was shoplifting property during any continuing criminal episode, or was shoplifting property to promote, further, or assist a criminal street gang, then the defendant can be charged with a class five (5) felony. For purpose of the statute a “continuing criminal episode” means theft of property with a value of $1,500.00 or more if committed during at least three separate incidences within a period of ninety (90) consecutive days. A first offense class five (5) felony can carry punishment of probation with zero (0) days up to one (1) year in jail, or prison of six (6) months to two and one half (2.5) years in custody. If the person has one (1) historical allegeable prior felony conviction, then the “prison only” range is one (1) to three and three quarters (3.75) years of incarceration. If the person has two (2) historical allegeable prior felony convictions then the “prison only” range is three (3) years to seven and one half (7.5) years of incarceration.

Shoplifting property with a value of $1,000.00 or more, but less than $2,000.00 is a class six (6) felony. For a first offense a class six (6) felony, punishment can be probation with zero (0) days in jail up to one (1) year in jail, or prison of four (4) months to two (2) years of incarceration. If the person has one (1) allegeable historical felony prior conviction, then the “prison only” range is nine (9) months to two and three quarters (2.75) years in prison. If the person has two (2) allegeable historical felony prior convictions, then the “prison only” range is two and one quarter (2.25) to five and three quarters (5.75) years of incarceration.

Shoplifting property valued at less than $1,000.00 is a class one (1) misdemeanor, unless the property is a firearm in which case the shoplifting is a class six (6) felony. The range of punishment for a class one (1) misdemeanor is anywhere from zero (0) days in jail up to six (6) months in jail, and a fine of up to $2,500.00 and 84% surcharge.

A person who in the course of shoplifting uses an artifice, instrument, container, device or other article with the intent to facilitate shoplifting, or who has in the past five (5) years committed or been convicted of two or more offenses involving burglary, shoplifting, robbery, organized retail theft or theft is guilty of a class four (4) felony. For a first offense class four (4) felony, punishment can be probation with zero (0) days in jail up to one (1) year in jail, or prison of one (1) year to three and three quarters (3.75) years of incarceration. If the person has one (1) allegeable historical prior conviction, then the “prison only” range is two and one quarter (2.25) to seven and one half (7.5) years of incarceration. If the person has two (2) allegeable historical prior convictions, then the “prison only” range is six (6) to fifteen (15) years of incarceration. This particular section of the Shoplifting statute was designed to punish “professional” or “career” shoplifters.

Possible Defenses for Shoplifting

The defense most often seen to Shoplifting is the defendant’s “Lack of Intent”. Under the statute, the defendant is required to have committed the actions with the intent to deprive the shop owner of such goods. If the defendant committed the above actions, but did not intend to deprive the owner of the goods, the defendant cannot be convicted of Shoplifting. The typical situation occurs most often when a shopper has her hands full and momentarily and inadvertently places something in her pocket while juggling other items. This is also seen when the shopper inadvertently walks out of the store while holding the item, completely unaware that they are still holding the item. If possible, we would present evidence showing that the defendant had purchased other items from the store that day, so it can be inferred that they did not intend to steal this item. Logically, it makes no sense to steal one item while paying for many numerous and possibly larger items. Additionally, we would demonstrate the defendant’s ability to pay for the items, and the defendant’s good character, which demonstrates no motive or benefit to the defendant to shoplift.

Another typical defense to Shoplifting is the defendant’s “Lack of Knowledge” of the shoplifting circumstances. This occurs when somebody else has switched the price tags on an item, or placed a different item in another container without the defendant’s knowledge. This can occur when a previous person was attempting to shoplift, but left the store without doing so, but did not return the items to their appropriate price or container. It can also occur when professional shoplifters place stolen items in unsuspecting shoppers bags, only with the intent of “pick-pocketing” those items out of the bag once the unsuspecting shopper gets out of the store. It is important to interview all of the parties present, review all video tapes which may have been in the store, interview store clerks and other shops in the neighborhood to see if there is a pattern of any criminal activity, and also point out the defendant’s good character.

Additional Defenses

Additionally, because our law firm fights conviction from all angles, we would assert a wide range of defenses and challenges to constitutional violations that apply in all criminal cases. The possibilities are numerous and diverse. One of those we frequently assert is a “Miranda rights violation.” In Arizona, the standard of whether any incriminating statement (i.e., a statement which tends to admit guilt) is admissible into evidence is based upon a “voluntariness” standard. If we can demonstrate that the police coerced you (i.e., intimidated or tricked you) into making a confession or inculpatory statement, or that they did not properly read you your Miranda Rights, then we can suppress those statements and any evidence gathered as a direct result of those statements. In addition, the “denial of right to Counsel” is another common defense which is often raised. This occurs when a suspect is in custody and requests to speak to their attorney, but is denied and questioning continues. Other defenses may include challenging the validity of any search warrant, or whether there were any “forensic flaws” during the investigation of your case. Depending on what else you have been charged with, this could include exposing flawed procedures regarding fingerprints analysis; DNA testing; video analysis; etc.. Lastly, one of the most common defense tactics is exposing sloppy or misleading police reports which include everything from misstatements, false statements, flawed photo line-ups, witness identification procedures, and inaccurate crime scene reconstruction. It is important to hire a skilled Shoplifting lawyer to defend you who has knowledge of all the possible defenses to assert in your case.

Why Hire a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist?

When facing shoplifting charges in Phoenix, the decision to hire a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist is a pivotal one that can greatly influence the trajectory of your case. Shoplifting laws can be intricate and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, demanding an attorney with specialized knowledge in criminal defense and a proven track record in handling theft-related charges. A Board Certified Specialist possesses a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of shoplifting laws, allowing them to dissect the details of your case, analyze the evidence, and formulate a tailored defense strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome.

Shoplifting charges can lead to severe consequences, including fines, probation, and damage to your reputation. Engaging the services of a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist offers you access to an attorney who is well-versed in the intricacies of shoplifting laws and can effectively challenge the prosecution’s case. They can leverage their expertise to identify potential weaknesses in the evidence, scrutinize the circumstances surrounding your arrest, and navigate the complexities of the legal process. With your future at stake, entrusting your defense to a specialist is an investment in securing the most favorable resolution to your shoplifting charges.