The definition of theft varies greatly, and so do the offenses that fall under this category. From taking a candy bar from a store shelf to providing false receipts to obtain a loan, there are a wide range of theft charges that a person may face in Wisconsin. For those accused of shoplifting, it is important to know the charges that may be tied to retail theft, especially since they depend upon the value of the items that were allegedly stolen and the type of theft being alleged.
What Are the Different Types of Shoplifting and Theft Charges?
Shoplifting, a.k.a. “Retail Theft”, includes more than just taking an item off the shelf. In fact, Wisconsin statutes list eight different ways in which a person’s actions can be considered retail theft. According to Wisconsin statute 943.50, a person can be penalized if they do any of these actions without a merchant’s consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of possession of the item or the full purchase price of the item:
- Intentionally alters the price tag of merchandise being sold by a merchant;
- Intentionally takes and carries away merchandise being sold by a merchant;
- Intentionally transfers merchandise being sold by a merchant;
- Intentionally conceals merchandise being sold by a merchant;
- Intentionally retains possession of merchandise being sold by a merchant;
- While anywhere in a store, intentionally removes theft detection measures from merchandise being sold by a merchant;
- Uses, or possesses with intent to use, a device meant to shield merchandise being sold by a merchant from being detected by a magnetic or electronic sensor; and/or
- Uses, or possesses with intent to use, a device meant to remove methods of theft detection from merchandise being sold by a merchant.
The crimes above are relatively common. However, there are some forms of theft that many people do not think of but which can still have legal consequences. For example, have you ever taken a shopping cart from a store for fun? The removal of a cart from a shopping area can land an individual with a fine of up to $500 for each cart stolen.
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