Shoplifting in Oklahoma City is a crime that can lead to a misdemeanor or even felony charge. The legal term for this crime is “larceny from a retailer.”
If you or someone you know has been charged with shoplifting in Oklahoma, consult with an experienced Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney to learn more about your rights.
What is Shoplifting in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma law defines larceny as the taking of personal property accomplished by fraud or stealth, and with intent to deprive another thereof.” This means that you have taken something from someone without their knowledge and with the intent of keeping the item you have stolen.
To be charged with larceny from a retailer (shoplifting in Oklahoma), your conduct must satisfy each of the following elements:
1) You took
2) and carried away
3) merchandise
4) from a retailer
5) valued at any dollar amount
6) by fraud or stealth
7) with the intent to deprive permanently.
Defending a Shoplifting in Oklahoma Charge
Under the legal definition of larceny from a retailer in Oklahoma City, you have two available defenses.
The first is that the retailer somehow acquiesced to your taking of the item (i.e. saying, “go ahead, it’s okay.”) The second is that you took the item accidentally or meant to bring it back (i.e. accidentally left an item in your basket.)
Penalties for Shoplifting in Oklahoma City
Goods Valued Less than $500: Misdemeanor conviction, fine between $100 and $500; 30 days in county jail.
A Second Charge of Taking Goods Valued Less than $500: Misdemeanor conviction; $1,000 fine; up to one year in county jail.
A Third Charge of Taking Goods Valued Less than $500: Felony conviction, two to five years in prison.
Goods Valued Between $500 and $999.99: Felony conviction, up to one year in county jail.
Subsequent Charge of Taking Goods Valued between $500 and $999.99: Harsher penalties.
Goods Valued at least $1,000: Felony conviction and up to five years in prison.
(Ok. Stat. Tit. 21 Sec. 1731)
Low-cost Consultation: Oklahoma City Theft Attorney
A charge of shoplifting in Oklahoma City can carry potential lifelong consequences that could affect your ability to work or find a place to live.
There’s no cost and no obligation for an initial consultation with our Oklahoma City theft attorney. Call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at (405) 588-4529 (588-4LAW) today.
If you prefer, you may send your question using the contact form at the top right side of this page.