Theft

Omaha Theft Crimes

Shoplifting:

Shoplifting, one of the most common of all theft offenses, occurs when a person takes goods or merchandise in a retail setting without paying for them and with the intention of keeping them. Shoplifting is defined by statute 28-511.01 and includes:

• Concealing or taking possession of goods in a store or retail establishment
• Altering the price tag or other price indicator
• Transferring the goods from one container to another
• Changing the label or price tag from one item to another
• “Causing the cash register … to reflect less than the retail price of the goods…”
• Disabling the security system or otherwise manipulating it to conceal the offense

Penalties depend on the value of the stolen goods:

• Class III felony: $1,500 or more
• Prison:  1 – 20 years, or $25,000 fine, or both

• Class IV felony: $500 or more
• Prison: 0 – 5 years, or $10,000 fine, or both

• Class I misdemeanor: $200 or more but less than $500,
• Jail: 1 year jail, $1,000 fine, or both

• Class II misdemeanor: $200 or less,
• Jail: 6 months jail, $1,000 fine, or both

It is advisable to obtain legal counsel from an Omaha shoplifting attorney as soon as possible. You are innocent unless your guilt is proven. Your lawyer will conduct a meticulous review of the evidence against you.

A lack of proper procedure or inconclusive evidence may support your innocence or a reduction in charges. If you do not contest the arrest, it is more than likely to result in a conviction. That, in turn, is likely to result in a permanent criminal record that can affect your future employment opportunities, immigration status, federal student loans, security clearance and much more.

Call our office for a complimentary consultation with an Omaha criminal defense attorney.