Shoplifting Attorney in Newport News

Charged with Shoplifting in Newport News, VA? Call a Former Prosecutor

Facing shoplifting charges can be a daunting experience, but with the right legal support, you can navigate this challenging time with confidence. At Ehrenworth Law, PLLC, we understand the complexities of shoplifting laws in Newport News, VA, and are dedicated to providing personalized defense strategies tailored to your unique situation.

Our team is committed to protecting your rights from the moment you engage our services. We take a holistic approach to understanding your case, evaluating all the possible circumstances and factors that might influence the outcome. Whether you're dealing with a first-time offense or a more complicated legal history, we provide insight gained from years of local legal experience to help reduce anxiety and chart a clear path forward.

Work with a shoplifting attorney in Newport News who’s a former prosecutor and knows how to protect your record. Call (757) 663-4477 or reach out online now for a free consultation.

Understanding Shoplifting Laws in Newport News, VA

Shoplifting in Newport News is considered a theft crime and involves the unlawful taking of merchandise from a store. In Virginia, the legal consequences for shoplifting can vary depending on the value of the stolen goods. Items valued at less than $1,000 typically result in a misdemeanor charge, while those valued at more than $1,000 can lead to a felony charge.

Key Acts Constituting Shoplifting:

• Willfully concealing or taking possession of the goods or merchandise of any store or other mercantile establishment. 
• Altering, transferring, or removing any price tag or other device designating the retail price.
• Transferring goods or merchandise from one container to another.
• Counseling, assisting, or aiding another person in the performance of any of these acts.

The Crucial Element: Intent to Defraud/Deprive

Regardless of the specific act, the prosecution must prove that you acted without authority and with the intention of converting goods or merchandise to your own or another's use without having paid the full purchase price, or of defrauding the owner of the value. If this intent is not proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the shoplifting charge cannot stand. This element is often a primary battleground in shoplifting cases.

Penalties for Shoplifting Charges

The severity of a shoplifting charge in Virginia is primarily determined by the value of the goods or merchandise stolen and, significantly, by your prior criminal history for larceny-related offenses. Shoplifting is classified under Virginia's larceny statutes.

Petit Larceny (Shoplifting Value Less Than $1,000):

If the value of the goods or merchandise is less than $1,000, the offense is classified as Petit Larceny.

• Classification: Generally a Class 1 Misdemeanor.
• Penalties:
  • Up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
  • Mandatory Minimum Jail (for repeat offenders): If you have a prior conviction from any jurisdiction for an offense that would qualify as any kind of larceny (e.g., theft, shoplifting, embezzlement, grand larceny), you face a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail up to 12 months. This is a crucial enhancement for which you need a Newport News shoplifting lawyer.
  • Felony Enhancement (for repeat offenders): If you have at least two prior larceny-related convictions from any jurisdiction, you can be charged with Grand Larceny, even if the value of the current merchandise is less than $1,000. This is a Class 6 Felony, carrying state prison time.

Grand Larceny (Shoplifting Value $1,000 or More, or Repeat Offense):

If the value of the goods or merchandise is $1,000 or more, or if you have two or more prior larceny-related convictions (regardless of the current value), the offense is classified as Grand Larceny.

• Classification: Generally an unclassified felony (felony without a specific class number like 1-6).
• Penalties: Imprisonment for 1 to 20 years in a state correctional facility.