{"id":8345,"date":"2023-02-06T03:41:46","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T03:41:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawpedic.com\/?p=8345"},"modified":"2023-03-25T00:16:50","modified_gmt":"2023-03-25T00:16:50","slug":"what-is-shoplifting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawpedic.com\/what-is-shoplifting\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Shoplifting? (Definition + 3 Laws)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Shoplifting is taking items such as clothes, electronics, food, and more from a store without paying. It’s illegal and can result in fines, arrest, imprisonment, and a criminal record. In 2021, over 548,000 instances of shoplifting were reported, accounting for nearly one-fifth of all reported theft and larceny crimes. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s just a quick summary. In this article, we will break down the definition, charges, and punishments for shoplifting. We’ll also be going to use the state of Kansas as the reference for charges and punishments in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shoplifting Definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you’ve been given a quick overview, let’s dig deeper into what shoplifting is. In Kansas shoplifting is a broader term put under the main crime of theft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The definition of “shoplift” under (Kan. Stat. § 60-3331 (2020).)<\/a> encompasses any one or more of the following acts, all of which are committed without the merchant’s consent and with the intention of taking merchandise for personal or third-party use without payment, obtaining merchandise at a price lower than its stated value, or otherwise depriving the merchant of all or part of the merchandise’s worth or use.

These acts include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Removing any merchandise from the premises of the merchant’s establishment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Concealing any merchandise with intent to leave the premises with the merchandise;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Substituting, altering, removing, or disfiguring any label or price tag;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Transferring any merchandise from a container in which that merchandise is displayed or packaged to any other container; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Disarming any alarm tag attached to any merchandise.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The different types of shoplifting can include Taking and Walking Out, Concealment, Booster Bags, Tag Switching, Group Shoplifting, and SweetHearting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Elements Needed To Charge Shoplifting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Being charged with shoplifting does not automatically make someone guilty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    In the legal system, individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty. After being charged, the person will have the opportunity to present their defense and evidence in court, and it is up to the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These elements are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. The prosecutor must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you had intent to steal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. That the property did not belong to you<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. That it was actually you who stole the property.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      If the prosecution is unable to do so, the person will be acquitted and cleared of the charges. It is important to remember that everyone has the right to a fair trial and legal representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What Are The Penalties of Shoplifting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Given shoplifting falls under the category of theft in the state of Kansas, both criminal and civil penalties can be brought into your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n