If you face a shoplifting charge, you may worry about what the charge means for your future. Shoplifting generally means taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. In Idaho, the value or type of item involved often determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. A case involving an anti-theft device may also lead to a separate charge.
When shoplifting becomes grand theft
Idaho law divides theft into petit theft and grand theft. Retail theft is classified as petit theft, a misdemeanor, when the merchandise value is $1,000 or less. However, if the value exceeds $1,000, the charge becomes grand theft, which is a felony.
Price is not the only factor. Idaho treats the theft of certain items, including firearms and financial transaction cards, as grand theft regardless of their value.
Anti-theft detection devices bring separate charges
Idaho Code Section 18-2411 also prohibits you from knowingly possessing a theft-detection shielding device with the intent to steal. This may include a foil-lined booster bag that blocks a store’s electronic or magnetic sensors.
The law also covers tools used to remove, shield or disable security tags, such as magnetic tag removers. It applies when you knowingly remove or disable a tag before buying the item without the store’s consent.
A first offense is a misdemeanor. A repeat offense within five years is a felony punishable by up to five years in state prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000 or both.
Prepare for the next steps
Understanding the value and type of property involved may help you see why the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. You should also check whether the case includes a separate anti-theft device charge, since that offense carries its own penalties. A clear grasp of the charges and careful preparation might support sound decisions as you move through Idaho’s legal process.