Louisiana Shoplifting Defense Lawyer

Shoplifting Defense Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA

A shoplifting charge implies that an individual took goods or anything of value from a merchant with the intent to deprive. The prosecution will point to actions like an individual concealing an item or himself to prove that there was an intent to deprive. Other actions that may prove intent include:

• Removing/altering price tags
• Damaging goods to the point they are unsaleable
• Transferring goods from one bin/area to the next
• Causing the cash register to “under-ring” an item

If you or someone you know is facing charges for shoplifting, be sure to seek immediate legal representation. Louisiana shoplifting lawyer Eric. G Johnson has over 20 years of experience practicing criminal law. Having handled numerous theft cases during his time, Eric is aware of how the prosecution will approach a shoplifting case and can use that knowledge to your benefit to help lessen charges.

Louisiana Shoplifting Laws

Louisiana law recognizes shoplifting as “theft of goods.” RS 14:67.10 of the Louisiana Criminal Code defines theft of goods as:

“…the misappropriation or taking of anything of value which is held for sale by a merchant, either without the consent of the merchant to the misappropriation or taking, or by means of fraudulent conduct, practices, or representations.”

Unlike any other form of theft, shoplifting must occur against an establishment that sells goods, and the individual must attempt to deceive the merchant. Someone who holds a cashier at gunpoint and demands him to empty the register is committing the act of robbery, not shoplifting. Likewise, an employee who steals merchandise from their job is committing internal theft.

Penalties for Shoplifting in Louisiana

The penalties for shoplifting in Louisiana are directly related to the value of the goods stolen. An individual’s criminal history and number of prior offenses also play a role in the severity of the applied penalties.

Misdemeanor Shoplifting

Theft of goods valued under $500 is a misdemeanor punishable by:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Up to $500 in fines

If the suspected individual has two or more prior offenses, penalties increase to:

• Up to 2 years in prison
• Up to $1,000 in fines

Felony Shoplifting

Theft of goods valued at $500 or more but less than $1,500 is a felony punishable by:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• Up to $2,000 in fines

Theft of goods worth more than $1,500 is a felony punishable by:

• Up to 10 years in prison
• Up to $3,000 in fines

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Louisiana Shoplifting Defense Lawyers

Shoplifting charges are nothing to take lightly. No matter if you are a first-time offender or repeat offender, you can benefit from the assistance of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. Eric Johnson will approach your case carefully, evaluate the evidence, and pursue the most beneficial course of action. He has experience negotiating favorable terms for his clients as well as mitigating criminal charges at trial and can do the same for you. Contact us today at 318-377-1555 for a free consultation.