eric g johnson law
Experienced Criminal Defense
318-377-1555
  • Home
  • Attorneys
    • Eric G. Johnson
    • Rachel W. Bays
    • Staff
    • Client Testimonials
  • Cases We Handle
    • Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
      • Criminal Appeals
      • Post-Conviction Relief
    • Assault and Battery
      • Aggravated Assault and Battery
    • Criminal Defense
      • Arson and Criminal Mischief
      • False Imprisonment
      • Federal Computer Crimes
      • Federal Criminal Defense
    • Criminal Expungement
      • Louisiana Expungement Laws
    • Domestic Violence
      • Domestic Abuse Battery
      • Protective Orders
      • Violation of Protective Order or TRO
    • Drug Offenses
      • Drug Possession
        • Cocaine Possession
        • Drug Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute
        • Heroin Possession
        • Marijuana Offenses
        • Meth Possession
        • Prescription Drug Offenses
      • Drug Trafficking
      • Drug Court
    • DUI/DWI
      • DUI Defense Strategies
      • DUI with a CDL
      • Refusing DUI Tests
      • Underage DWI
      • Vehicular Homicide
    • False Imprisonment
    • Juvenile Offenses
      • Juvenile Sex Crimes
    • Resisting an Officer
    • Sex Offenses
      • Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
      • Child Pornography
      • Online Solicitation of a Minor
      • Prostitution
      • Sexual Battery
      • Video Voyeurism
    • Stalking
    • Theft
      • Burglary
      • Credit Card Fraud
      • Identity Theft
      • Robbery
      • Shoplifting
      • Welfare Fraud
    • Traffic Violations & CDL Licenses
      • Driving Without a License
      • Vehicular Manslaughter
      • Hit and Run
    • Violation of Probation
    • Violent Crimes
      • Murder
      • Manslaughter
    • Weapons Offenses
    • White Collar Crimes
      • Embezzlement
      • Money and Asset Forfeiture
      • Counterfeiting
      • Money Laundering
      • Tax Fraud and Evasion
    • Trespassing
  • Areas We Serve
    • Bossier Parish
    • Caddo Parish
    • Claiborne Parish
    • Bienville Parish
    • De Soto Parish
    • Lincoln Parish
    • Ouachita Parish
    • Natchitoches Parish
    • Sabine Parish
    • Shreveport, LA
      • Drug Defense Attorney
      • Domestic Violence
      • DWI Lawyer
      • BUI Lawyer
      • Traffic Offenses Lawyer
      • Theft Lawyer
      • Marijuana Possession Lawyer
    • Monroe, LA
      • Drug Defense Lawyer
      • DWI Lawyer
      • Sex Offense Attorney
      • DUI Lawyer
    • Ruston, LA
      • Drug Defense Attorney
    • Tallulah,LA
    • Webster Parish
  • Recent Cases
  • Blog
    • FAQ
  • Contact Us

How is Shoplifting Different from Other Theft Crimes?

March 24, 2024Eric G. Johnson

Some parties view Louisiana’s consequences for shoplifting as less severe than those for other theft crimes. In some ways, this may be the case. The fines and jail time that come along with first, second, and third-time shoplifting convictions are less significant than the consequences for other crimes, but that doesn’t make them any less serious.

If you find yourself facing accusations of shoplifting, it’s important to break down the classification of the charges brought against you as well as the consequences you might face. You can meet with a criminal defense attorney through John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm to determine how these distinctions may impact your fight for freedom.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Defining Theft and Shoplifting
  • The Consequences of Shoplifting in Louisiana
  • How to Challenge Shoplifting Accusations
  • You Can Book a Defense Evaluation With a Louisiana Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Defining Theft and Shoplifting

Theft tends to serve as an overarching umbrella term for criminal behavior involving the illegal seizure of another person’s property. Officers and prosecutors have an obligation to prove that a person allegedly engaging in theft fully intended to permanently deprive their victim of an object or financial support.

Shoplifting charges, comparatively, specifically address instances of theft occurring in retail establishments. Prosecutors have an obligation to prove that someone accused of shoplifting purposefully removed items from a retail setting without the knowledge of the seller and with the intent to use those items for personal reasons.

In other words, shoplifting is a subset of theft and, thereby, a more specific crime. Shoplifting also differs from other theft crimes in that it can be one of the least severe variations of theft crimes that thieves commit. While some thieves can leave retail environments with thousands of dollars of goods, most shoplifters engage in less high-stakes heists.

The Consequences of Shoplifting in Louisiana

Shoplifting may not be as severe of a theft crime as other forms of crime in Louisiana, but that doesn’t mean that the Bayou State’s criminal courts aren’t tough on shoplifters. Shoplifting generally constitutes a theft misdemeanor in the eyes of Louisiana justices. 

If shoplifters manage to leave a retail environment with more than $1,000 in goods, though, the state may compound the charges brought against the offending party. Parties accused of stealing more than $1,000 in goods from a store may face felony charges.

Law enforcement may further compound the charges brought against shoplifters if those parties can accuse shoplifters of additional crimes, including breaking and entering, battery, and assault. Parties that fail to challenge their initial shoplifting charges or other compound charges may face considerable fines and jail time.

How to Challenge Shoplifting Accusations

If you’re contending with accusations of shoplifting, we recommend that you connect with a Louisiana criminal defense attorney. The criminal defense attorneys with our law firm can walk you through the allegations leveled against you. 

You can count on our team to represent your best interests as your case proceeds. We will never take action on your behalf without consulting you first, and we’re here to give you control over how your case proceeds.

You Can Book a Defense Evaluation With a Louisiana Criminal Defense Attorney Today

The consequences for shoplifting may not seem as severe as they are for other theft crimes, but it’s still worth your while to challenge them. Shoplifting convictions can make it more difficult for you to maintain a career, find new work, or even maintain some of your personal relationships.

If you want help challenging Louisiana’s shoplifting charges, get in touch with John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm. We can connect you with a criminal defense attorney who can represent your best interests in and out of the courtroom. You can call (318) 377-1555 or contact us through our website to schedule a case evaluation with our team.

Recent Posts

  • A Complete Guide to Ignition Interlock Devices in Louisiana DWI Cases
  • DWI Charges Involving Prescription Drugs
  • Navigating Louisiana’s Unique Drug Paraphernalia Laws
  • Explaining Louisiana’s Laws on Firearms and Felony Convictions
  • Top Medical Defenses to DUI: How Health Issues Can Impact Your Case

Practice Areas

  • Appeals And Post Conviction Relief
  • Louisiana Murder Defense Attorney
  • Criminal Defense
  • Criminal Expungement
  • Domestic Violence And Protective Orders
  • DUI And Vehicular Homicide
  • Louisiana Sex Offenses Attorney
  • Traffic Violations And CDL Licenses
  • White Collar Crimes

Contact Us

Attention: While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice
John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
Facebook
LinkedIn
Yelp

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
Office: 318-377-1555 | Fax: 318-377-1559
national association of criminal defense lawyers
lsba
criminal defense attorney louisiana
2018 top rated lawyer

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
415 Main Street,
Minden, LA 71055

Areas Served: 
 Serving the entire State of Louisiana including Minden, Ruston, Monroe, Shreveport, Bossier City, as well as Caddo, Webster, and Ouachita parishes.
Ⓒ 2025 John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC. Disclaimer Privacy Policy. Legal Website Powered by Market My Market