Shoplifting of an item under 500 bucks is a class A misdemeanor governed typically by state statutory code unless it occurs on federal land.
Range of punishment is in most states up to 1 year in the county jail and up to a measely 1,000 fine. Restitution can be assessed for the amount of actual loss.
When the value of the item taken exceeds 500 dollars it becomes a C felony and the range of punishment bumps up to 7 years and a 5,000 fine, plus restitution for the actual harm.
Just my two cents as prosecutor.
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Shoplifting of an item under 500 bucks is a class A misdemeanor governed typically by state statutory code unless it occurs on federal land. Range of punishment is in most states up to 1 year in the county jail and up to a measely 1,000 fine. Restitution can be assessed for the amount of actual loss. When the value of the item taken exceeds 500 dollars it becomes a C felony and the range of punishment bumps up to 7 years and a 5,000 fine, plus restitution for the actual harm. Just my two cents as prosecutor.