Altering Price Tags

Altering price tags in Virginia is one way that a person can be charged with Shoplifting under Va. Code §18.2-103. Shoplifting is a form of Larceny in Virginia and is punished the same way.

For more information on Larceny in Virginia, click here.

What is Shoplifting in Virginia?

Larceny is taking property, without consent, intending to permanently deprive an owner of his or her property. It is charged as Petty Larceny if the property taken is worth less than $1,000, and it is charged as Grand Larceny if the property taken is worth more than $1,000.

Shoplifting can be charged in Virginia if someone conceals items in a store or takes possession of goods, alters the price tag on a store item, or transfers goods from one container to another, intending to take the property without paying the purchase price or intending to defraud the store owner of the value of the property.

Someone can also be convicted of Shoplifting in Virginia if he or she assisted another person in altering price tags on goods or shoplifting.

For more information on concealment in Virginia, click here.

For more information on transferring goods in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Shoplifting charges in Virginia, click here.

Altering Price Tags in Virginia

Altering price tags is one way that the Commonwealth can prove Shoplifting in Virginia. It is evidence that the person did not intend to pay the full purchase price for the item.

Penalties for Shoplifting in Virginia

Shoplifting in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-103) is punished the same was as Larceny. It is punished as either Petty Larceny (Va. Code §18.2-96) or Grand Larceny (Va. Code §18.2-95), depending on the value of the items or property stolen.

If the items are valued at less than $1,000, the offense will be punished as Petty Larceny. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor and is punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. If the items are valued at more than $1,000, the offense will be punished as Grand Larceny. A Grand Larceny charge in Virginia is punished with up to 20 years in prison.

The offender may also be required to pay restitution for the items taken and may also be banned from the store or property, even if he or she is not convicted of the charge.