Simple Shoplifting, under Certain Circumstances, Can Turn into a Felony.
Shoplifting used to be one of those teenaged-type crimes, where experimenting young people would get in trouble, get a slap on the wrist, learn their lesson and go on about their way.
But, in North Carolina, and thanks to lobbying by retail companies, what seems like a simple misdemeanor shoplifting can easily turn into a felony. If a person uses some tool or otherwise removes or destroys an anti-theft device (such as those annoying little magnetic things that hang from clothes in retail stores), the shoplifting becomes a Class H felony punishable, in the worst case scenario by upwards of 38 months.
Similarly if a person uses an emergency exit door and takes goods worth $200 or more, that too constitutes a Class H felony.
Of course, a good attorney will work and advocate for a reduction in the charge, if the facts against the defendant are significant; however, it’s important to know that the simple shoplifting has the possibility to result in a felony record.
Contact our Greensboro criminal defense attorneys, who operate in Greensboro, High Point and Randolph County for a free consultation today.
- Former President, Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Elected member, Criminal Justice Section, North Carolina Bar Association
- Selected to present the Wade M. Smith Award for Top Criminal Defense Lawyer in North Carolina
Talk to a Greensboro criminal defense lawyer today
Bring the warrant, the release order and anything else they gave you.
Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law
317 South Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 379-0539
This article explains North Carolina law in general terms. It is not legal advice about your case, and laws, penalties and court procedures change. Contact an attorney about your specific situation.