In Oklahoma, larceny of merchandise from a retailer is the same as shoplifting. If you’ve been charged with this crime, you definitely should get a Tulsa criminal defense attorney. But don’t get just any attorney. Hire an experienced attorney like Stephen Cale. Call the Cale Law Office at (918)-277-4800 for a free initial consultation and defense strategy plan. You can also contact us through the web.
The following is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
- A Breakdown of Larceny of Merchandise From a Retailer
- Larceny of Merchandise From a Retailer | Misdemeanor and Felony
- Punishment for Larceny of Merchandise From a Retailer
- Working With The Cale Law Office
A BREAKDOWN OF LARCENY OF MERCHANDISE FROM A RETAILER
The crime of shoplifting consists of seven parts.
First, taking;
Second, carrying away;
Third, merchandise;
Fourth, from a retailer;
Fifth, with a value of (less than 1,000)/($1,000-$2,499.99)/($2,500-$14,999.99/($15,000 or more);
Sixth, by fraud or stealth;
Seventh, with the intent to deprive the retailer of the merchandise.
While most people have their attorneys work out a plea deal in larceny of merchandise from a retailer cases, some people fight with a jury trial. If a person wants a trial, then the State would have to prove all seven parts of the crime.
Tulsa criminal defense attorney Stephen Cale is an experienced trial attorney. He also is a skilled negotiator, working favorable deals for his clients. So, if you’ve been charged with shoplifting, he’s the right attorney for you.
See Related Story: 7 Reasons You May Want to Consider a Plea Deal
LARCENY OF MERCHANDISE FROM A RETAILER | MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY
Whether shoplifting is a misdemeanor or felony depends on the value of the merchandise taken.
Less than $1,000: If the value of the merchandise taken is less than $1,000.00, then the charge is a misdemeanor.
$1,000 or More: On the other hand, if the value of the merchandise is $1,000 or more, then the charge is a felony.
PUNISHMENT FOR LARCENY OF MERCHANDISE FROM A RETAILER
The punishment for shoplifting depends on: 1) the value of the merchandise taken; 2) the number of items taken; and 3) whether this is a person’s third or more conviction for the crime.
Misdemeanor Shoplifting
One Item Taken | Less Than $1,000: Suppose a person takes only one item and its value is less than $1,000. In that instance, the punishment is up to 30 days in jail and a fine between $10.00 and $500.00. But the punishment changes slightly if a person takes more than one item.
More Than One Item Taken | Less Than $1,000: Now suppose that the person has taken more than one item of merchandise. The value of all items are less than $1,000.00. In this case, the punishment is up to 30 days in jail and a fine between $50.00 and $500.00.
Three or More Convictions | Less Than $1,000: The punishment changes for three or more convictions for larceny of merchandise from a retailer. In this instance, suppose that this is a person’s fourth conviction for shoplifting. And, the value of the merchandise taken is less than $1,000. Then, the punishment is up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00.
Felony Shoplifting
At Least $1,000 But Less Than $2,500: If the merchandise value is at least $1,000, but less than $2,500, the matter is a felony. And, in this set of circumstances, the punishment is zero to two years in prison. Plus, there is a fine of up to $1,000.
At Least $2,500 But Less Than $15,000: Shoplifting goods valued at least at $2,500 but less than $15,000 is also felony. Under these circumstances, the punishment is up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
$15,000 or More: Shoplifting merchandise valued at $15,000 or more carries the heaviest of all shoplifting charges. In this instance, the punishment is up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
WORKING WITH THE CALE LAW OFFICE
So, as you can see, larceny of merchandise from a retailer is a serious charge. That’s why you want to get an experienced Tulsa criminal defense attorney. For a free initial consultation and defense strategy plan, call the Cale Law Office at (918) 277-4800. Or, you can contact us through the web.