When Shoplifting Becomes Robbery
In most cases, shoplifting and robbery are two different acts that don’t normally cross over. This is good, because if you have shoplifted, and it is a first-time offense, you are likely not going to face many problems rather than a few days in jail, the price of the item you stole, and then fines for court. However, there is a point where shoplifting can become robbery, and the charges for such are much worse than shoplifting alone. Knowing when it becomes robbery can save you from a lot of trouble.
Robbery is defined as the use or threat of force, or the infliction of bodily injury, in the course of committing or fleeing a theft. Typically, robbery occurs when stealing something from one’s person or their home, not in a store. However, when one is stealing something from a store, and they hit someone in an attempt to flee, this becomes robbery, as the use of force and/or infliction of bodily injury has occurred. By using any sort of force on another person, especially one who is trying to stop the shoplifter, can and most likely will result in simple shoplifting charges to be raised to robbery charges. What’s worse, is that most times the charges of shoplifting may not have even been that great, and they are now being charged with robbery; a crime punishable by 5-10 years in prison, and parole ineligibility of 85%. This all means that a shoplifter will only be charged with robbery if there is a clear form of contact between either a store employee and the shoplifter, or a security officer and the shoplifter. Knowing this right can help people to determine their case.
If you or someone you know has been charged with either shoplifting or robbery, the help of an experienced attorney is of the essence. At John Tumetly Law, Mr. Tumelty is a sole practitioner and personally handles every case that comes into his office. He is with his clients from the initial interview and by their side for every court appearance until the case is successfully resolved. To discuss your case with a certified criminal trial attorney, contact John Tumelty today for a free initial consultation at 609-390-4600 or via his online contact form.
