Assisting Shoplifting

Shoplifting is a form of Larceny in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-103). Larceny is taking property from another person, without consent, intending to permanently deprive the owner of his or her property. Larceny is charged as Petty Larceny if the items are worth less than $1,000 and it is charged as Grand Larceny if the items are worth more than $1,000. Shoplifting and Assisting Shoplifting in Virginia are charged and punished the same way as Larceny (Va. Code §18.2-103).

Click here for more information on Petty Larceny in Virginia.

Click here for more information on Grand Larceny in Virginia.

Click here for more general information on Larceny charges in Virginia.

Proof of Shoplifting in Virginia

Shoplifting in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-103) can be charged if someone conceals items or takes possession of goods in a store, alters the price tag on a store item, or transfers goods from one container to another, intending to take the property without paying the full purchase price or intending to defraud the store owner of the value of the property.

To convict an offender of Shoplifting in Virginia, the Commonwealth must prove that the offender concealed an item or took possession of a store owner’s merchandise, intended to permanently deprive the owner of his property, and did not pay the full purchase price of the item or items.

Click here for more information on concealment in Virginia.

Click here for more information on altering price tags in Virginia.

Click here for more information on transferring goods in Virginia.

Click here for more general information on Shoplifting in Virginia.

Assisting Shoplifting in Virginia

A person can also be convicted of Shoplifting in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-103 if he or she assisted another person in shoplifting items.

Penalties for a Shoplifting Charge in Virginia

Since Shoplifting in Virginia is a form of Larceny, it is charged and punished the same way as a Virginia Larceny charge. 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 taken.

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

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

Click here for more information on a first offense Petty Larceny charge in Virginia.

Click here for more information on a second offense Petty Larceny charge in Virginia.

Click here for more information on a third offense Petty Larceny charge in Virginia.

Click here for more information on Grand Larceny charges in Virginia.

Click here for more information on Larceny charges in Virginia.