Atlanta, Georgia ranks in the top 10 U.S. cities for the crime of shoplifting. Shoplifting is serious business and a serious offense. Nationwide there are over half a million shoplifting incidents daily, which account for over 35 million dollars of merchandise stolen every day. The most common items stolen are groceries, cosmetics, electronics, and clothing.
Georgia Laws on Shoplifting
In Georgia shoplifting is a serious crime. Shoplifting, under Georgia law, is a person who commits the offense of theft by shoplifting either alone or with another person with the intent of taking merchandise for their own use without paying for it, depriving the owner of its possession or value; the crime of shoplifting also includes any of the following:
- Concealing or taking goods or merchandise from any store or business
- Altering the price tag on any item in a store or establishment
- Transferring the item stolen from one container to another
- Taking the label or price tag from one item and placing it on another item for sale or display
- Making a change or being deceitful, which causes the amount paid to be less than the merchant’s stated price for the item
Shoplifting Conviction
The laws concerning shoplifting in Georgia can become complex and lead to a permanent criminal record that follows you no matter where you go. Consulting with a shoplifting attorney right away can help you avoid fines, reduce the offense from a felony to a misdemeanor, or avoid jail time.
Shoplifting merchandise of $300 or less in value in considered a misdemeanor for a first offense. Subsequent shoplifting offenses may add up to conviction as a felony, rising fines, imprisonment, house arrest, or confinement in a special alternative incarceration-probation boot camp. Jail time may be from one year to 10 years, or set up to be served during non-working hours. Having expert legal defense on your side is critical.
Georgia Shoplifting Attorney
Attorney Joel Baskin is an experienced shoplifting lawyer ready to discuss your case and situation. Call his office for a confidential review of the charges you are facing.