Can you be charged with shoplifting two weeks after the incedent took place and without the merchadise?
Full Question:
Can you be charged with shoplifting two weeks after the incedent took place and without the merchadise?
06/01/2007 |
Category: Criminal |
State: Minnesota |
#6114
Answer:
Shoplifting is a crime of theft governed by state laws, which vary by state. Shoplifting can include carrying, hiding, concealing, or otherwise manipulating merchandise with the intent of taking it or paying less for it. Shoplifting laws also may be defined to include changing price tags, committing refund fraud, removing a shopping cart or any other commercial property from a store location, or intentionally using an illegitimate form of payment. An intent to shoplift may be sufficient for a shoplifting charge to be brought, even if the shoplifting was not fully carried out.
According to Minnesota Statute 609.52, any person who takes an item from a retail establishment without paying the stated price is guilty of theft. If a store owner or manager has reason to believe that a customer has no intention of paying for an item, he/she may detain the customer and call the police. Any act of concealment can be interpreted as intent to steal. The owner/manager does not have to wait until the customer tries to leave the store to effect an arrest. Consuming an item, e.g., candy bars, fruit, in the store can be interpreted as concealment. The severity of the offense depends on the value of the item stolen. Taking an item which is less than $200 in value is a misdemeanor. The fact that a person is charged with shoplifting does not mean there is enough evidence to convict that person of shoplifting.