Shoplifting charges catch people off guard all the time. Maybe something got missed at self-checkout. Maybe your kid made a poor choice. Or maybe you were stopped for something you didn’t actually take. However it unfolded, now you’re facing a criminal charge and likely have many questions.

We get how stressful that feels. At Greene Wilson & Styron, we’ve sat across the table from plenty of folks in your shoes—worried about their job, their reputation, or how this might follow them down the road. Our North Carolina criminal defense lawyers have handled shoplifting cases throughout New Bern and the surrounding counties. We take each one seriously, and we treat every client with the respect they deserve.

If you’ve been charged, don’t wait to get help. Even a simple mistake can turn complicated fast once the court process kicks in. Reach out to our office for a free, confidential case review. We’ll listen and help you figure out the next right step.

What Qualifies as Shoplifting in New Bern, North Carolina?

In North Carolina, shoplifting falls under a category of laws known as “larceny” which includes larceny of property, concealment of merchandise, and larceny from a merchant.  Even if the item you’re being accused of stealing had a low price tag, the act itself is still considered theft and can lead to criminal charges. And in many cases, store security or loss prevention officers will pursue police involvement regardless of the situation.

Shoplifting doesn’t just mean slipping something into your pocket. It can include a variety of actions:

  • Taking merchandise out of the store without paying
  • Hiding goods in a bag, clothing, or stroller
  • Altering or removing price tags
  • Switching labels to pay less
  • Walking past the final point of sale (such as exiting self-checkout without scanning every item)

Sometimes, people are charged even if they didn’t make it out the door. That’s because in the eyes of the law, the intent to steal can be enough to warrant an arrest.

Types of Shoplifting Charges and Penalties

In North Carolina, shoplifting charges fall under both the general larceny statute (G.S. 14-72) and two laws that specifically address retail theft: concealment of merchandise (G.S. 14-72.1) and larceny from a merchant (G.S. 14-72.11).

Here’s how those laws break down:

  • If someone takes goods worth $1,000 or less and leaves the store, that’s usually charged as misdemeanor larceny (Class 1). First-time offenders face 1 to 45 days. But if you have a longer record, sentencing can go up to 120 days.
  • Hiding merchandise while still inside the store starts as a Class 3 misdemeanor. If you’re convicted a second time within three years, it bumps up to Class 2. A third conviction within five years becomes a Class 1.
  • Using tools or tricks to avoid detection, like disabling security tags, carrying foil-lined (or “booster”) bags, or switching tags to underpay by more than $200, raises the charge to a Class H felony, no matter how much the item is worth.
  • Stealing items valued over $1,000, or committing larceny after already having four prior larceny convictions, is also a Class H felony.

Penalties can include jail time, fines, restitution, and community service. But the impact doesn’t stop there.

Possible Outcomes Beyond the Courtroom

You might not be facing jail time, but that doesn’t mean the charge won’t leave a mark. Even a minor shoplifting conviction can show up on a background check. Employers see it. So do landlords, schools, and licensing boards. And once it’s there, it can be hard to explain your way around it.

Here’s what a conviction could lead to:

  • Loss of your job or difficulty finding new employment
  • Trouble applying to college or student loan programs
  • Challenges securing housing or professional licensing
  • Difficulty gaining custody in family court proceedings
  • Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including visa or green card issues

In many cases, our clients had no idea a simple mistake or misunderstanding could result in such complications. That’s why it’s so crucial to take all shoplifting charges seriously.

How a New Bern, NC Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

We know what’s at stake when you’ve been accused of shoplifting. Our goal is always to reduce the impact on your life as much as possible. That starts with fully understanding the situation and hearing your side of the story.

Depending on your case, we may be able to:

  • Push to have the charge dismissed entirely
  • Negotiate for reduced penalties or deferred prosecution
  • Help you qualify for a first-time offender program or community service arrangement
  • Fight for alternative sentencing that avoids jail time and a conviction
  • Challenge the evidence or the process used during detainment and questioning

We understand how retail stores sometimes overreach with accusations or involve police before fully confirming what happened. Surveillance is often grainy or inconclusive. Store procedures during detention can violate your rights. These are all areas worth exploring, and we’ll investigate every avenue available.

What to Do if You’re Accused of Shoplifting in New Bern

If store security or police detain you, it’s important to stay calm. Politely decline to answer questions until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. Anything you say, even an offhand comment, can be used against you later. Officers may pressure you to give a statement, or you could be handed a civil demand letter from the store asking for money.

What to do when being accused of shoplifting:

  • Do not admit guilt or attempt to explain yourself to store staff
  • Avoid signing anything without clearly understanding it
  • Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible
  • Save any receipts, texts, or other documents related to the situation
  • Let your lawyer handle communication with law enforcement or prosecutors

Even if you made a mistake, you don’t need to face this alone. And if you’ve been falsely accused, the earlier we step in, the better chance we have at building a strong defense strategy.

Contact Our Team Today For a Free Case Review

At Greene Wilson & Styron, we see the real people behind these cases. Mistakes happen. So do rushed accusations. A shoplifting charge shouldn’t define your future. With the right legal strategy, it doesn’t have to.

With more than 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys have built a strong record of results in criminal defense across New Bern, Craven County, and Pamlico County. We’ve been recognized among North Carolina’s “Super Lawyers” and Business North Carolina’s “Legal Elite,” but what matters most to us is earning the trust of every client we represent. 

Our attorneys bring insight from years of experience in local courts, and we’re ready to stand by your side no matter where your case stands right now. Call us today for a confidential consultation.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting charges catch people off guard all the time. Maybe something got missed at self-checkout. Maybe your kid made a poor choice. Or maybe you were stopped for something you didn’t actually take. However it unfolded, now you’re facing a criminal charge and likely have many questions.

We get how stressful that feels. At Greene Wilson & Styron, we’ve sat across the table from plenty of folks in your shoes—worried about their job, their reputation, or how this might follow them down the road. Our North Carolina criminal defense lawyers have handled shoplifting cases throughout New Bern and the surrounding counties. We take each one seriously, and we treat every client with the respect they deserve.

If you’ve been charged, don’t wait to get help. Even a simple mistake can turn complicated fast once the court process kicks in. Reach out to our office for a free, confidential case review. We’ll listen and help you figure out the next right step.

What Qualifies as Shoplifting in New Bern, North Carolina?

In North Carolina, shoplifting falls under a category of laws known as “larceny” which includes larceny of property, concealment of merchandise, and larceny from a merchant.  Even if the item you’re being accused of stealing had a low price tag, the act itself is still considered theft and can lead to criminal charges. And in many cases, store security or loss prevention officers will pursue police involvement regardless of the situation.

Shoplifting doesn’t just mean slipping something into your pocket. It can include a variety of actions:

  • Taking merchandise out of the store without paying
  • Hiding goods in a bag, clothing, or stroller
  • Altering or removing price tags
  • Switching labels to pay less
  • Walking past the final point of sale (such as exiting self-checkout without scanning every item)

Sometimes, people are charged even if they didn’t make it out the door. That’s because in the eyes of the law, the intent to steal can be enough to warrant an arrest.

Types of Shoplifting Charges and Penalties

In North Carolina, shoplifting charges fall under both the general larceny statute (G.S. 14-72) and two laws that specifically address retail theft: concealment of merchandise (G.S. 14-72.1) and larceny from a merchant (G.S. 14-72.11).

Here’s how those laws break down:

  • If someone takes goods worth $1,000 or less and leaves the store, that’s usually charged as misdemeanor larceny (Class 1). First-time offenders face 1 to 45 days. But if you have a longer record, sentencing can go up to 120 days.
  • Hiding merchandise while still inside the store starts as a Class 3 misdemeanor. If you’re convicted a second time within three years, it bumps up to Class 2. A third conviction within five years becomes a Class 1.
  • Using tools or tricks to avoid detection, like disabling security tags, carrying foil-lined (or “booster”) bags, or switching tags to underpay by more than $200, raises the charge to a Class H felony, no matter how much the item is worth.
  • Stealing items valued over $1,000, or committing larceny after already having four prior larceny convictions, is also a Class H felony.

Penalties can include jail time, fines, restitution, and community service. But the impact doesn’t stop there.

Possible Outcomes Beyond the Courtroom

You might not be facing jail time, but that doesn’t mean the charge won’t leave a mark. Even a minor shoplifting conviction can show up on a background check. Employers see it. So do landlords, schools, and licensing boards. And once it’s there, it can be hard to explain your way around it.

Here’s what a conviction could lead to:

  • Loss of your job or difficulty finding new employment
  • Trouble applying to college or student loan programs
  • Challenges securing housing or professional licensing
  • Difficulty gaining custody in family court proceedings
  • Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including visa or green card issues

In many cases, our clients had no idea a simple mistake or misunderstanding could result in such complications. That’s why it’s so crucial to take all shoplifting charges seriously.

How a New Bern, NC Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

We know what’s at stake when you’ve been accused of shoplifting. Our goal is always to reduce the impact on your life as much as possible. That starts with fully understanding the situation and hearing your side of the story.

Depending on your case, we may be able to:

  • Push to have the charge dismissed entirely
  • Negotiate for reduced penalties or deferred prosecution
  • Help you qualify for a first-time offender program or community service arrangement
  • Fight for alternative sentencing that avoids jail time and a conviction
  • Challenge the evidence or the process used during detainment and questioning

We understand how retail stores sometimes overreach with accusations or involve police before fully confirming what happened. Surveillance is often grainy or inconclusive. Store procedures during detention can violate your rights. These are all areas worth exploring, and we’ll investigate every avenue available.

What to Do if You’re Accused of Shoplifting in New Bern

If store security or police detain you, it’s important to stay calm. Politely decline to answer questions until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. Anything you say, even an offhand comment, can be used against you later. Officers may pressure you to give a statement, or you could be handed a civil demand letter from the store asking for money.

What to do when being accused of shoplifting:

  • Do not admit guilt or attempt to explain yourself to store staff
  • Avoid signing anything without clearly understanding it
  • Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible
  • Save any receipts, texts, or other documents related to the situation
  • Let your lawyer handle communication with law enforcement or prosecutors

Even if you made a mistake, you don’t need to face this alone. And if you’ve been falsely accused, the earlier we step in, the better chance we have at building a strong defense strategy.

Contact Our Team Today For a Free Case Review

At Greene Wilson & Styron, we see the real people behind these cases. Mistakes happen. So do rushed accusations. A shoplifting charge shouldn’t define your future. With the right legal strategy, it doesn’t have to.

With more than 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys have built a strong record of results in criminal defense across New Bern, Craven County, and Pamlico County. We’ve been recognized among North Carolina’s “Super Lawyers” and Business North Carolina’s “Legal Elite,” but what matters most to us is earning the trust of every client we represent. 

Our attorneys bring insight from years of experience in local courts, and we’re ready to stand by your side no matter where your case stands right now. Call us today for a confidential consultation.