How a first time shoplifting is a felony?
By Attorney Michael Barber
How does a shoplifting case turn into a felony?
Two individuals in the city of Duluth are accused of shoplifting at a Walmart. The two individuals allegedly attempted to steal $4,000 dollars worth of merchandise according to Fox 5 News. The store manager stopped the individuals after he noticed what was going on and that they were attempting to leave without paying for property and then quickly alerted officers who were in the store. Next, Duluth police officers approached and the individuals but they immediately tried to run away. After apprehension the male was found with a wallet that did not belong to him. While the male was being “interviewed, “at the same time the female also attempted to run but she was also apprehended and gave officers a false name. Duluth police officers were able to determine her identity after she was taken into custody and processed at the Gwinnett County Jail.
The Statute for shoplifting falls under O.C.G.A. 16-8-14. That code section states that shoplifting involves a person who conceals or takes possession of merchandise or alters price tag or marking on goods, or alters the price of goods or changes containers that goods come in or causes the amount paid on goods to be less than the stated price. Here is the stickler- if the goods are more than $500 its automatically a felony. If this isn’t your first time being accused of the case and it is your fourth time being accused it will be a felony.
Of course there are facts to every case where defenses can be raised for anyone charged with the crimes of Shoplifting, Obstruction or Battery. Each situation is different from the other and requires a evaluation of all the information in order to properly mount a defense and a effective negotiation with the prosecutors office.
Have you been arrested for shoplifting, obstruction or giving false information to police?
Every case is different because no two sets of facts are the same. Proper application of not just the law but also case law to your situation would take examination of the facts surrounding your case and creating a properly mounted defense for YOUR arrest.
Our office has 24 hour response lines and can answer your questions and help you. Give our team of lawyers a call at 404-445-8494. We can help you mount a proper defense for your situation.
