Laws - View Law: SHOPLIFTING

Shoplifting is more than just leaving a store with something you did not pay for. Shoplifting is also obtaining goods by charging the purchase price of an item to a fictitious person; paying less than the purchase price of the item by changing the labels in some way; moving the item to a different container; and hiding the item in some way from view. (A.R.S. § 13-1805).

If you are a minor, your parents or legal guardian can be held responsible for any damages that you caused. (A.R.S. § 12-661). Shoplifting property with a value of more than $2,000 is a class 5 felony. Shoplifting with a value of less than $250.00 is a class 1 misdemeanor.

If you are found guilty of shoplifting, you could be fined, have to perform community service, or be placed on probation with up to one year in detention. (A.R.S. § 13-1805) If found guilty of shoplifting you might also be required to pay a penalty of $100.00 in addition to the actual damages to the owner (the price of what you took). (A.R.S. § 12-692)