Shoplifting often makes people think of teenagers who wear sunglasses out of a store without paying for them or fill their pockets with costly cosmetics. Shoplifting often involves people taking merchandise without paying for it, either by concealing it or by grabbing it and running out of the store before employees can intervene.
Many shoplifting arrests occur in foyers or parking lots, after people have exited the store without paying for merchandise. However, the Georgia statute addressing shoplifting allows for criminal charges even in cases where people have not yet left the store without paying for merchandise.
What other actions may constitute shoplifting?
Those intending to shoplift may engage in certain behaviors in a store to help them leave without paying for items. Those could include deactivating or removing security devices, altering or replacing price tags or moving an item into another container to take it through the checkout without paying for it. Any intentional acts that prevent the customer from paying the full price for store merchandise could potentially constitute shoplifting.
If managers, security professionals or loss prevention specialists witness misconduct that violates Georgia statutes, they can detain the person involved and contact law enforcement. People may then face charges based on the value of the merchandise involved in the situation even though they may not have ever stolen anything directly from the business.
Getting experienced legal guidance can help those who have been charged with shoplifting respond effectively. The right defense strategy can result in reduced charges, lesser penalties or even a dismissal of the criminal charge.