Theft can include armed robbery, burglary, check theft, forgery, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fraud, false statements to a credit bureau, shoplifting, and the list goes on. Consequences for stealing range from a Class C misdemeanor to felony charges, generally depending on the monetary value of what was taken. If the value of the stolen item is less than $1,500, the perpetrator will most likely be convicted of a misdemeanor. This can result in a simple fine and/or community service, but could also result in jail time, depending on the circumstances. If the stolen item was of great value, the defendant will most likely be charged with a felony and will have to serve time in prison. At the time of the hearing, the court will be notified if there is more than one offense on the suspect’s record and this will also affect the sentence. People who steal generally don’t do it just once.
It is important to note that in some states, theft of any kind is considered a “crime of moral turpitude.” This means that the act of stealing is not a favorable action in the community standards of fairness, honesty or good customs. Even if you are charged with a misdemeanor, you will have a permanent criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. This can have negative effects on the wrongdoer’s character personally, legally, and with future employment opportunities.
One of the most common forms of theft is shoplifting. Shoplifting is the deliberate act of taking an unpaid item from a place of business and it happens more than we are aware of. A person can be convicted of shoplifting even if they do not leave the store, but come across hidden merchandise in the store’s possession. In some states, there is even a “party law,” which means that if you are with a friend who is caught stealing from a retail establishment, you can also be prosecuted even if you did not intend to steal. An average of $10 billion worth of goods is stolen from retail businesses each year. The numbers and statistics are staggering. We all pay the price for the people who commit these acts by having to pay more for products when companies raise prices to recoup the thieves’ losses. The law does not look kindly on people who shoplift.
Simply put, stealing is never a good idea and can land you in a world of trouble. It will affect the offender in many negative ways for the rest of their lives. Stealing also affects everyone in the community, one way or another, so the laws are harsh. Thieves may think they can get away with stealing, but they will eventually be caught and forced to face dire consequences.