Have You Been Accused of Shoplifting?

 Posted on November 16, 2023 in Theft and Property Crimes

Shoplifting is a serious crime in Connecticut. The severity of the charge will depend on the amount of merchandise stolen. While you may think that shoplifting is no big deal, there are serious consequences that come with it.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting, you need a Fairfield County theft crimes attorney to defend your rights. 

What are Connecticut Laws on Shoplifting?

Shoplifting is known as larceny under Connecticut law. You may be accused of shoplifting if you intentionally take possession of goods at a retail store or other place where merchandise is being stolen, with no intention of paying for them.

Depending on the amount of merchandise stolen, shoplifting can be either a felony or a misdemeanor in Connecticut. In the Nutmeg state, felonies are categorized as either being a Class A, B, C, D, or E (most severe to least severe charges). However, shoplifting may only be considered a Class B, C, or D felony in Connecticut.

Shoplifting as a Felony

If you steal more than $20,000 in merchandise, you will be charged with first-degree larceny, a Class B felony. If you steal more than $10,000 in merchandise, the charge will be downgraded to second-degree larceny, a Class C felony. If the value of the property stolen exceeds $2,000, then the charge will be downgraded to third-degree larceny, a Class D felony. 

Shoplifting as a Misdemeanor

In Connecticut, misdemeanors are categorized as either being Class A, B, or C (most severe to least severe). If the value of the merchandise stolen exceeds $1,000, then you will be charged with fourth-degree larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge is reduced to fifth-degree larceny, a Class B misdemeanor, if the merchandise is valued at more than $500. Finally, you will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor if the stolen property is worth $500 or less.

What are the Penalties for Shoplifting in Connecticut?

With rising costs across the nation, retailers lost an estimated $112 billion in stolen merchandise in 2022. If you are convicted of shoplifting, you could be paying a large fine and even be facing jail time. Below are the penalties for each type of offense:

• Class B felony: up to $15,000 in fines; one to 20 years in prison
• Class C felony: up to $10,000 in fines; one to 10 years in prison
• Class D felony: up to $5,000 in fines; one to five years in prison
• Class A misdemeanor: up to $2,000 in fines; up to one year in prison
• Class B misdemeanor: up to $1,000 in fines; up to six months in prison
• Class C misdemeanor: up to $500 in fines; up to three months in prison

There are usually mitigating circumstances, and a Stamford theft and property crimes attorney may be able to get your charges reduced or dropped entirely.

Contact a Fairfield County, CT, Theft and Property Crimes Attorney Today

If you have been charged with shoplifting, you may be facing a prison sentence. You need reliable representation to defend these charges against you, which can be found in an experienced Stamford, CT, theft and property crimes attorney. Contact Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner today online or by calling 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation.