Shoplifting might seem like a small thing. But in Louisiana, it can follow you for the rest of your life. Even a first-time offense can mean jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record.
This article breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll cover what counts as shoplifting, how the penalties work, and what happens if you get caught.
What Is Shoplifting in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, shoplifting is legally called “theft of goods.” The law is found under RS 14:67.10 of the Louisiana Criminal Code. It means taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. You also need the intent to keep the item without paying.
Okay, this part is important. You don’t have to walk out of the store to be charged. The law covers a wide range of actions.
Under Louisiana law, shoplifting includes concealing an item on your body or in a bag. It also includes switching or removing price tags. Altering barcodes, damaging goods on purpose, or using fake receipts all count too. Even using a minor to help steal something is considered shoplifting.
Wondering if an honest mistake counts? It can get complicated. If you accidentally walked out with something, an attorney can argue you had no intent to steal. But that defense isn’t guaranteed. Intent is everything under this law.
Basic Shoplifting Laws
What Actions Are Covered
Think of shoplifting as broader than just grabbing something and walking out. Louisiana law targets anyone who tries to deceive a merchant. This includes hiding items under clothing or in a bag while still in the store.
It also includes peeling off a price sticker and putting on a cheaper one. Using a self-checkout to scan a cheaper item on purpose counts too. All of these show intent to get something without paying full price.
A friend once asked me if switching a tag was really a big deal. It absolutely is. It’s treated the same as walking out the door with unpaid merchandise.
What Is NOT Shoplifting
There are a few things people confuse with shoplifting. Stealing from your employer is called internal theft, not shoplifting. Holding up a cashier at gunpoint is robbery, not shoplifting. The specific circumstances change what crime you’re charged with.
Pretty straightforward, right? The type of theft matters a lot in Louisiana courts.
Shoplifting Penalties in Louisiana
Hold on, this part is really important. Louisiana’s penalties depend on two things. The first is the value of what was stolen. The second is your criminal history.
Misdemeanor Shoplifting (Under $1,000)
If the stolen goods are worth less than $1,000, you’re looking at a misdemeanor. You could face up to six months in jail. You could also face a fine of up to $1,000. Or both.
Think of it like a serious traffic violation, but with much bigger consequences. A misdemeanor can still affect your job, your housing, and your future.
Most shoplifting cases fall into this category. But don’t let the word “misdemeanor” fool you. It’s still a criminal charge that shows up on your record.
Felony Shoplifting ($1,000 and Above)
Here’s where things get serious. Once the stolen goods hit $1,000 in value, it becomes a felony. Felonies carry much harsher penalties in Louisiana.
For goods worth between $1,000 and $5,000, you could face up to five years in prison. You could also face a fine of up to $3,000.
For goods worth between $5,000 and $25,000, the prison sentence jumps to up to 10 years. The fine can reach up to $10,000.
For goods worth $25,000 or more, you could face up to 20 years in prison. The fine can go as high as $50,000.
Wait, it gets even more serious for repeat offenders.
Repeat Offenders Face Harsher Punishment
If you have two or more prior theft convictions, even a small shoplifting charge can become a felony. A theft under $1,000 that would normally be a misdemeanor can result in up to two years in prison. The fine can jump to $2,000.
Louisiana courts do not go easy on repeat offenders. Honestly, this is the part most people don’t think about when they make a bad decision. Past mistakes follow you directly into the courtroom.
Special Cases That Automatically Become Felonies
Some shoplifting cases skip straight to felony charges. This happens no matter how low the item’s value is.
If you shoplift a firearm, it’s automatically a felony. The same goes for explosives or other dangerous items. The value doesn’t matter at all. You’re getting a felony charge regardless.
Civil Penalties: The Extra Bill You Didn’t Expect
Most people don’t realize this. On top of criminal charges, the store can also sue you in civil court. That means you could be paying twice for the same incident.
In civil court, a merchant can demand the retail value of the stolen item. They can also seek additional damages. Those damages can range from $50 to $450. And you may be responsible for the store’s legal fees too.
You’re not alone if this surprises you. Most people focus on criminal charges and forget about civil liability. Both can hit you at the same time.
There is some good news here. If you complete a theft prevention program offered by the merchant, you may be protected from those extra civil penalties. But you’d need to follow that process carefully.
Organized Retail Crime: A Whole Different Level
Here’s where it gets really serious. Louisiana has a separate law for organized retail crime under RS 14:67.25. This law applies when shoplifting is done as part of a larger plan to resell or redistribute stolen goods.
You don’t have to be part of a gang for this to apply. If you’re caught shoplifting to resell items, that could trigger this charge.
The penalties for organized retail crime are even harsher. If the total value of goods stolen over a 180-day period reaches $25,000 or more, you could face up to 20 years in prison. The fine can be up to $50,000.
Basically, this law exists to target large-scale retail theft rings. But it can also catch individuals who steal to resell. Louisiana prosecutors take this very seriously.
Juvenile Shoplifting Laws
Louisiana treats minors differently. If you’re under 18, your case goes to Juvenile Court. The process and the goals are different from adult court.
The focus in Juvenile Court is rehabilitation, not punishment. Instead of jail time, a minor might get community service or a diversion program. Juvenile court also doesn’t include the right to a jury trial.
That said, don’t take a juvenile charge lightly. It can still affect your future. Getting legal help is still important, even for younger offenders.
How Stores Can Detain You
Louisiana law allows store employees to detain you. If a merchant or employee has reasonable cause to believe you shoplifted, they can hold you. This detention must be done in a reasonable manner. It must also only last long enough to call law enforcement.
A complaint from a store employee to police is enough to create legal cause for an arrest. So even if you haven’t left the store, you can be detained and arrested on the spot.
Stay with me here. This matters because some people think leaving the store makes the charge worse. In Louisiana, concealing an item inside the store is already enough for a charge.
How a Shoplifting Conviction Affects Your Life
Let’s talk about what happens after. A shoplifting conviction stays on your record permanently unless you take legal steps to remove it. That means employers can see it. Landlords can see it. Even loan officers can see it.
Many people assume this is only a big deal for felonies. They find out the hard way. Even a misdemeanor shoplifting conviction can cost you a job offer or an apartment application.
A conviction can also make future crimes carry harsher sentences. If you get a second charge later, Louisiana courts look at your history. One past conviction can make a minor offense into a much bigger one.
What to Do If You’re Charged
Don’t try to handle this alone. If you’re charged with shoplifting in Louisiana, your first step is to contact a criminal defense attorney. Even if you think the charge is minor, legal help matters.
You have the right to ask for a public defender if you can’t afford an attorney. Even a misdemeanor shoplifting record can have serious long-term consequences, so having legal representation is worth it.
Don’t talk to police without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you. Stay calm, be polite, and ask for legal counsel right away.
If a merchant offers you the chance to complete a theft prevention program, that may help reduce or eliminate civil penalties. But talk to an attorney before agreeing to anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shoplifting a felony in Louisiana?
It depends on the value of the stolen goods. Shoplifting goods worth $1,000 or more is a felony. Under $1,000 is typically a misdemeanor, unless you have prior theft convictions.
What is the minimum value to get a felony shoplifting charge?
Once the stolen merchandise reaches $1,000 in retail value, the charge becomes a felony. There are also automatic felony charges for stealing firearms or explosives, regardless of value.
Can a store sue me after I’ve already faced criminal charges?
Yes. Louisiana allows merchants to pursue civil penalties separately from criminal charges. You could face both at the same time.
Will shoplifting show up on a background check?
Yes. A shoplifting conviction stays on your record permanently unless you take legal steps to expunge it. Both misdemeanor and felony convictions are visible to employers and landlords.
What happens if a minor is caught shoplifting in Louisiana?
Minors are handled in Juvenile Court, where the focus is rehabilitation. Penalties may include community service or diversion programs rather than jail time. Legal help is still recommended.
Final Thoughts
Louisiana takes shoplifting seriously. What seems like a small mistake can turn into a criminal record, thousands of dollars in fines, and even prison time. The penalties go up fast, especially with prior convictions or high-value items.
Now you know the basics. If you or someone you know is facing a shoplifting charge, don’t wait. Talk to a lawyer, understand your rights, and take the situation seriously. A little knowledge now can save a lot of trouble later.
