How Serious Is a Shoplifting Conviction in Connecticut?

 Posted on April 07, 2025 in Theft and Property Crimes

Police are searching for the so-called "Seafood Shoplifter" in Granby, CT. Allegedly, the man loaded up a shopping cart at Geissler’s Supermarket on a Sunday afternoon and left without paying. Even though the shopping cart reportedly contained a large amount of shrimp, the value of the shoplifted items would not likely exceed the $500 limit, making the offense a Class C misdemeanor.

While a Class C misdemeanor conviction for shoplifting may not be the worst thing in the world, if the judge imposes the potential three-month jail sentence, it could become a real problem. In some cases, shoplifting is entirely unintended; perhaps you had something small in your basket and did not see it when the items were scanned.

Or perhaps you made a one-time bad decision out of desperation. Either way, your punishment should not result in months or years of hardships, including losing your job or difficulty obtaining employment.  When you speak to a knowledgeable Stamford, CT theft crimes attorney, the likely outcome of your charges improves significantly.

What is Considered Shoplifting in Connecticut?

For a shoplifting conviction, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intended to take property that did not belong to him or her. The defendant must have engaged in one of the following acts while maintaining the required level of intent:

• Merchandise that was not paid for was intentionally removed from a merchant or store.
• The price tag on merchandise was deliberately altered, changed, swapped, switched, or defaced to change the price to a lower one.
•  In a self-checkout situation, the defendant deliberately failed to scan items in an attempt to avoid paying for them.
• Merchandise that was not paid for was deliberately concealed by the defendant inside or outside the store.  

Can Owners or Employees in a Store Stop Suspected Shoplifters?

Owners, agents, or employees are allowed to detain a suspected shoplifter for a short period until the police arrive. However, these individuals may legally only ask the alleged shoplifter for their name and address. Unfortunately, many people do not know this and are coerced into signing a statement and making a confession before the police even arrive. Those detained for shoplifting should take their right to remain silent seriously.  

What Are the Penalties for Shoplifting in Connecticut?

The following penalties are for the different degrees of shoplifting or theft, depending on the worth of the items taken:

•  Larceny in the Sixth Degree is a Class C misdemeanor, covering shoplifting or theft of items valued at less than $500. The penalties are up to three months in jail and a maximum fine of $500.
• Larceny in the Fifth Degree is a Class B misdemeanor, covering the theft of items valued between $500 and $1,000 and bringing penalties of up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
• Larceny in the Fourth Degree is a Class A misdemeanor, covering items valued between $1,000 and $2,000, with penalties of up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000.
•  Larceny in the Third Degree is a Class D felony, covering items valued between $2,000 and $10,000. Penalties for a Class D felony include one to five years in state prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.

Even though most shoplifting charges will fall under Larceny in the Sixth Degree, a conviction will go on a defendant’s criminal record for potential employers, landlords, and others to see. Spending even three months in jail, for many people, can completely derail their lives, causing them to lose their jobs. In turn, being without a paycheck for three months can cause significant financial devastation, potentially leading to the loss of an apartment, home, or vehicle.  

Contact a Fairfield County, CT Shoplifting Lawyer

If you have been arrested for shoplifting in Connecticut, your best course of action is to speak to an experienced Stamford, CT shoplifting attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner. There are defenses available that could result in your charges being lowered to a lesser offense or dropped entirely. Schedule your free consultation today by calling 203-348-5846.