Concealment

Concealment in Virginia is one way that a person can be charged with Shoplifting (Va. Code §18.2-103). Shoplifting in Virginia is a form of Larceny and is punished the same way.

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

What is Shoplifting in Virginia?

Larceny is taking property with the intent to permanently deprive another person of his or her property. It is charged as Petty Larceny if the items stolen are worth less than $1,000, and it is charged as Grand Larceny if the items stolen are worth more than $1,000. Shoplifting in Virginia is charged and punished the same way as Larceny.

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

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

For more information on altering price tags in Virginia, click here.

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

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

Concealment in Virginia

Concealment is one way that the Commonwealth can prove Shoplifting in Virginia. Concealing (hiding) an item occurs within a store, and an offender does not need to actually leave the store to be convicted of Shoplifting in Virginia. Concealment is evidence that the offender intended to permanently deprive the owner of his property. It can occur by hiding items in a store and even by hiding items or goods in a store and then leaving without taking the items.

Penalties for Shoplifting in Virginia

Shoplifting in Virginia is punished the same was as Larceny. Shoplifting in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-103) 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 worth less than $1,000, the offense will be charged and 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 worth $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 as well as be banned from the store or property, even if he or she is not convicted.