Aggressive Advocacy for the Accused
Shoplifting
The crime of Shoplifting is the intentional taking or carrying away of merchandise offered for sale by a store or retail merchant with the intention of depriving the merchant of its possession without having paid the merchant its value.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 30A, provides that offenders convicted of the crime of Shoplifting shall be punished by a fine of up to $250 if the value of goods is less than $100; a fine of up to $500 for a second offense; and imprisonment of up to 2 years in the House of Corrections for a third or subsequent offense.
In order to be convicted of the crime of Shoplifting, the prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt:
- That the defendant intentionally took or carried away retail merchandise;
- That the merchandise was owned or possessed by someone other than the defendant; and
- That the defendant took or carried away the merchandise with the intent to deprive the merchant of its possession without having paid value for it.
Other similar forms of Shoplifting include:
- Shoplifting by Concealing Merchandise
- Shoplifting by Switching a Price Tag
- Shoplifting by Ringing Up a False Price
Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis has extensive experience in defending persons accused of various Theft Crimes, and is available 24/7 for consultation to help explain and defend your legal rights.
To schedule a Free Consultation and to discuss your criminal case with a Boston Criminal Lawyer, Contact Us Online or call 617-325-9500.