A shoplifting conviction puts a theft charge on your permanent record.
Larceny of merchandise from a retailer, traditionally understood as shoplifting, is punished strictly according to the value of the goods targeted. Following the implementation of the modernized penal code, if the value of the stolen merchandise is less than $1,000, it remains categorized as a misdemeanor offense. Misdemeanor shoplifting typically results in small fines, court costs, and an order to stay away from the retail establishment. However, if the cumulative value of the stolen inventory crosses the $1,000 threshold, the charge is escalated to a Class D2 felony. A Class D2 felony exposes the defendant to a baseline sentence of up to two years in the state penitentiary and a 20% mandatory time-served requirement. A subsequent conviction for felony larceny jumps the offense into the Class C tiers, carrying exponentially heavier penalties for repeat retail offenders.
Following the SQ 780 criminal justice reforms, taking merchandise valued under $1,000 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of $10 to $500 for a first offense. However, if the merchandise exceeds $1,000, it becomes a felony punishable by up to 5 years in the Department of Corrections. Retailers may also separately sue the accused in civil court for monetary damages.
We defend retail theft cases by challenging the store's evidence (surveillance footage quality, loss prevention testimony), arguing lack of intent (forgetting an item, accidental concealment), questioning whether the merchandise actually passed the last point of sale, and negotiating for deferred sentences and diversion programs.
We defend larceny of merchandise from a retailer cases in courts across northeastern Oklahoma, including state, federal, and tribal jurisdictions.
Even "petit" larceny puts a theft conviction on your permanent record.
The key word is "knowingly." That is where your defense begins.
Driving a vehicle you did not know was stolen should not make you a felon.
Unauthorized use is not theft, but it is still a serious criminal charge.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation. A former prosecutor will review your case and outline your best defense options.