In Maryland, shoplifting is penalized under the category of theft. The charges can range from a misdemeanor where the shoplifter has stolen items worth less than $1,000, or a felony when the property is valued over $1,000.
The penalties for shoplifting are harsh and increase as the value of the merchandise increases. In many cases, the person accused of shoplifting has stolen out of desperation. It might be a mother who needs boots for her kids in the winter, or an out-of-work person trying to get new clothes for a job interview. Shoplifting is almost always a crime by a person who feels like they have no other options.
The theft of merchandise from a store is still considered a crime. The reason for the theft doesn't matter to the store or the …show more content…
Theft of property that is valued between $10,000 and $100,000 can face up to 15 years in jail as well as a fine up to $15,000. Property theft over $100,000 can face up to 25 years in jail and a fine of up to $25,000.
Civil Punishment
The shoplifter can also face civil liabilities to the merchant who lost their merchandise. In Maryland, as in every other state, there are recovery laws that allow merchants to sue for payment from the shoplifter.
The merchants can sue to receive double the worth of the item up to $1,000 even if it's recovered. These laws are defended by those that believe shoplifters who are caught should pay for all those who get away with it. Civil recovery laws are meant to protect small businesses from shoplifters who might make a living from stealing and reselling the items. Instead, the big chain stores are sending out demand letters to every person caught shoplifting even if they were stealing out of a desperate need.
The shoplifting rings that do so much damage to the small business are rarely caught. It's the desperate people who are not professionals who pay for the crimes of
The penalties for shoplifting are harsh and increase as the value of the merchandise increases. In many cases, the person accused of shoplifting has stolen out of desperation. It might be a mother who needs boots for her kids in the winter, or an out-of-work person trying to get new clothes for a job interview. Shoplifting is almost always a crime by a person who feels like they have no other options.
The theft of merchandise from a store is still considered a crime. The reason for the theft doesn't matter to the store or the …show more content…
Theft of property that is valued between $10,000 and $100,000 can face up to 15 years in jail as well as a fine up to $15,000. Property theft over $100,000 can face up to 25 years in jail and a fine of up to $25,000.
Civil Punishment
The shoplifter can also face civil liabilities to the merchant who lost their merchandise. In Maryland, as in every other state, there are recovery laws that allow merchants to sue for payment from the shoplifter.
The merchants can sue to receive double the worth of the item up to $1,000 even if it's recovered. These laws are defended by those that believe shoplifters who are caught should pay for all those who get away with it. Civil recovery laws are meant to protect small businesses from shoplifters who might make a living from stealing and reselling the items. Instead, the big chain stores are sending out demand letters to every person caught shoplifting even if they were stealing out of a desperate need.
The shoplifting rings that do so much damage to the small business are rarely caught. It's the desperate people who are not professionals who pay for the crimes of