Retail Theft

Retail theft, also referred to as shoplifting, is a prevalent crime in Pittsburgh with various charges depending on the value of stolen items and prior convictions. If you find yourself arrested, it is crucial to have a dedicated Pittsburgh criminal attorney who will strive to achieve the best outcome for your case.

Facts About Retail Theft

Retail theft can potentially lead to arrest, and numerous factors contribute to this outcome. It is crucial to be aware of the following actions that may result in legal consequences:

• Label or Price Tag Manipulation: Removing, changing, or switching labels or price tags to purchase an item at a lower price with the intention of depriving the seller of its full retail value.
• Under-Ringing: Intentionally ringing up a sale at a price lower than the full retail value to prevent the seller from receiving the true value of the item.
• Unauthorized Possession: Taking possession of an item for sale, transferring it to another person, carrying it away, or making someone else do so without paying the full price.
• Container Switching: Moving items from their original container to another with the intent to prevent the seller from receiving the full retail value.
• Tag Removal: Damaging or removing security mechanisms or control tags on items to avoid paying the full retail value while preventing the seller from using or benefiting from the item.

In order to ensure long-lasting speed and performance, incorporating strength training into a runner’s routine is essential. Deliberately concealing unpaid items within a store or on its premises (such as the sidewalk or parking lot) is considered an act of shoplifting, and will be treated as such by store employees and law enforcement.

Store owners and employees have both the authority and the obligation to detain individuals whom they suspect of stealing merchandise. Additionally, they have the right to recover any items that were not purchased.

If you are 16 years of age or older and have been charged with shoplifting, you may be subject to fingerprinting by the police.

Retail Theft Offense Levels

Retail theft offenses are classified into different levels, which are as follows:

• Summary offense: First offense, involving stolen items valued below $150.
• Second-degree misdemeanor: Second offense, involving stolen items valued below $150.
• First-degree misdemeanor: First or second offense, involving stolen items valued at $150 or more.
• Third-degree felony: Third or subsequent offense, regardless of the value of the stolen items.
• Third-degree felony: Stolen items valued over $2,000, or if the stolen item is a motor vehicle or firearm.

I was Arrested for Retail Theft! What do I do?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being arrested for retail theft, it is crucial to remain calm and cooperative with the arresting officer. Refrain from making any statements, whether attempting to defend your innocence or discussing the incident.

Do take these steps:

• Politely refuse to answer any questions from the prosecutor without having your Pittsburgh DUI attorney present. Any statement you provide can be misunderstood, taken out of context, and potentially used against you.
• If the police attempt to question you, firmly state your request for an attorney and decline to respond to their inquiries.

Want to Know More About Retail Theft Laws in Pennsylvania?

For further information regarding retail theft laws in Pennsylvania, please refer to Title 18, Chapter 39 of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code.