Las Vegas Shoplifting Lawyer

Defending Against Shoplifting Charges Nevada

Nevada punishes shoplifting offenses as theft crimes with harsh penalties. This type of theft offense can be committed in several different ways. If you are facing shoplifting or any type of theft charges, contact the Law Office of Chip Siegel, Esq. I have been helping the criminally accused for over 20 years and taken on countless shoplifting cases.

All of the following are acts that can constitute a shoplifting offense:

• Taking merchandise without paying
• Changing price tags to show a lesser amount
• Changing containers in order to pay less than the retail price

Essentially, any act that you do to exert control over property with the intention of depriving the owner of the property is considered shoplifting. The consequences for this act will depend on the specific property and its value.

Shoplifting Penalties in Nevada

The greater the value of the goods involved, the greater the penalties can be. The breakdown of shoplifting penalties in Nevada include:

Goods valued at $650 or less:

• Up to six months in jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• Restitution for the merchant

Goods valued between $650 and $3,500:

• Between one and five years in jail
• A fine of up to $10,000
• Restitution for the merchant

Goods valued at $3,500 and above:

• Between one and 20 years in jail
• Restitution to the merchant

Shoplifting is a misdemeanor offense if the value of the goods is $650 or less. Once the value goes above $650, the offense becomes a felony. On top of these criminal penalties, the merchant often chooses to sue for damages in civil court. They may sue for the retail value of the goods taken along with additional damages. Team up with a Las Vegas shoplifting lawyer to make sure your rights are protected and for help defending against your charges.