Transferring Goods

Transferring goods in Virginia is one way that a person can be charged with Shoplifting under Va. Code §18.2-103. Shoplifting in Virginia is a form of Larceny 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, with the intent to permanently deprive another person 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, 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.

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

For more information on concealment in Virginia, click here.

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

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

Transferring Goods in Virginia

Transferring goods is one way that the Commonwealth can prove Shoplifting in Virginia. Transferring goods means moving an item to a different container with the intent to avoid paying the full purchase price of 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 taken.

If the items are worth 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 $1,000 or more, the offense will be 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 part of the punishment. He or she can even be banned from the store or property, even if the person is not convicted.