Shoplifting is one of the most commonly prosecuted charges in California, and with so many retail businesses, it happens a lot in the Santa Clarita Valley. Also known as petty theft, shoplifting charges are typically brought against someone who is suspected of having stolen something with a value of $950 or less.
Petty theft can occur in one of four ways:
- Larceny (taking someone’s property without their consent)
- Trickery (such as changing the price tag on an item)
- Embezzlement (stealing money or merchandise that was put in your care)
- False Pretenses (lying about something in order to obtain merchandise)
When someone is arrested in Santa Clarita on petty theft or shoplifting charges, they will be taken to the Santa Clarita Sheriff Station where they will undergo booking and processing. During this time, the individual will have their photograph taken, fingerprints recorded and a national background check will be conducted. Once complete, bail will be set and it will be possible to obtain their release via bail bond.
Depending on the circumstances of the crime, it is possible that an individual arrested on shoplifting charges may be eligible for one of several other options for release, such as own recognizance or citation release. When someone is released on their own recognizance, they must provide a written promise to the court that he or she will return to court at the appointed date and time. A citation release is similar, though there is no written promise required.
Shoplifting is always a misdemeanor in California, and the possible penalties include up to 6-months in county jail, up to 3-years of informal probation and/or fines of up to $1,000. The severity of the sentence will likely depend a great deal on the prior criminal record of the defendant, as well as the cash value of the stolen items. For example, a first-time offender who is convicted of stealing a $75 pair of jeans will likely not spend 6-months in county jail because of it. However, an individual who steals several hundred dollars worth of merchandise, and has been convicted of doing so in the past may well receive the maximum sentence.
