Shoplifting is a serious crime in Mississippi. Depending on the value of the merchandise you stole, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges if you are caught shoplifting.
Misdemeanor Shoplifting
Misdemeanor shoplifting is taking possession of merchandise owned or held by a merchant to convert to your use without paying the merchant's stated price. Essentially, it intentionally takes something from a store without paying for it. If you are convicted of misdemeanor shoplifting, you could face the following penalties:
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Imprisonment in the county jail for up to 6 months
- Up to 1 year of probation
Felony Shoplifting
Felony shoplifting is taking possession of merchandise owned or held by a merchant to convert it to your use without paying the merchant's stated price, and the value of the merchandise is greater than $1,000. It's the same thing as misdemeanor shoplifting, except the value of the goods taken is more than $1,000. If you are convicted of felony shoplifting, you could face the following penalties:
- A fine of up to $5,000
- Imprisonment in the state penitentiary for up to 5 years
- Up to 5 years of probation
Penalties for Repeat Offenders
The penalties for shoplifting are more severe if you have been convicted of shoplifting before. For example, if you are convicted of a second misdemeanor shoplifting offense, you could face a fine of up to $2,500 and mandatory jail time. A conviction for shoplifting a third time in seven years is a felony regardless of the amount of merchandise taken.
What to Do If You Are Caught Shoplifting
Shoplifting is a serious criminal crime with serious consequences. If you are caught shoplifting, it is important to understand the charges against you and your legal options. Contact an attorney as soon as possible. We have decades of experience representing people charged with shoplifting in courts across Mississippi and would be happy to work for you.