3 Ways A Person Can Be Charged with Shoplifting in Virginia

Shoplifting in Virginia sounds simple, but many people are confused on what exactly can be considered Shoplifting in Virginia. Shoplifting in Virginia is considered, and is punished the same way as, Larceny. This legal guide discusses the 3 forms of Shoplifting in Virginia under Va. Code 18.2-103.

1. Concealment

   Concealment is one way that an offender can be convicted of Shoplifting in Virginia. Va. Code 18.2-103 prohibits willfully concealing or taking possession of goods or merchandise of a store or other establishment without consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the goods or merchandise without having paid the full purchase price or with the intent to defraud the owner of the value of the goods or merchandise. Willful concealment of goods or merchandise while on a store's premises is evidence that the person intended to take the item and defraud the owner of the value of the goods or merchandise.

2. Altering Price Tag or Transferring Containers

   Altering the price tag or other price marking on goods or merchandise or transferring an item from one container to another is another way that a person can be convicted of Shoplifting in Virginia under Va. Code 18.2-103.

3. Aiding or Abetting Shoplifting

   Counseling, assisting, aiding or abetting another person in the concealment, altering of price tags or transferring goods between containers is also considered Shoplifting in Virginia under Va. Code 18.2-103 and the offender can be punished the same way as if he had taken the goods himself.