Alleged Serial Shoplifter Arrested in Atlanta

According to reports out of Southwest Atlanta, a man described by authorities as a “serial shoplifter” has been arrested in connection to nine different theft crimes ranging back to November of last year.

The man has been accused of breaking into cars and stealing from local businesses. He was arrested this past Wednesday and was arrested on charges of shoplifting, theft by taking, and burglary in Georgia. It is possible that more charges will be added.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney, I will outline the offense of shoplifting in today's post as he is facing six counts of this offense.

Shoplifting in Georgia

Shoplifting in Georgia is defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14 as:

Performing certain actions with the intent of taking merchandise without paying for it or depriving the owner of possession of the merchandise or its value.

In Georgia, the most commonly reported type of shoplifting is when one walks out of a store without paying for the items. However, there are many other types of shoplifting. The law defining shoplifting outlines the following ways:

• Concealing or taking possession of merchandise of any store
• Altering price tags
• Switching price tags
• Wrongfully causing the amount to be paid to be lower than it is supposed to
• Or moving merchandise into a different container.

This is where shoplifting is very different from other theft crimes. The state of Georgia has very specific penalties for shoplifting. It is similar to other theft crimes in that it can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony based upon the value of the items stolen, as well as any aggravating circumstances of the crime. Also, repeat offenders of shoplifting will face harsher penalties.

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been accused of a theft related crime or any other offense in the state of Georgia, call our offices today.

We can help you with your case and determine what options are available to you.