Petty theft, commonly referred to as shoplifting, is a misdemeanor offense that can lead to court hearings, fines, and probation. Petty theft is defined under California penal code section 484-488. Typically, officers are called to the retail store or location of the shoplifting and they issue a citation with a person's promise to appear in court. For many people, this is their first interaction with law enforcement and it can be a scary and emotional experience.

 

Stores spend a lot of money to prevent shoplifting from occurring at their establishment. The stores have both uniformed and undercover loss prevention employees who are watching store guests both on the sales floor and by cameras in the ceilings. Sometimes they cannot act fast enough to detain the person committing the theft but will make note of that person and if they ever return will be on high alert and detain them the next time. If they suspect a guest of shoplifting they will detain and question the person and then call the police to make the arrest for shoplifting. The police will then issue a citation which requires the person to go to court for the charge of shoplifting, which will be listed on the citation as a violation of penal code section 484 - 488 or petty theft. If you have received one of these citations call shoplifting attorney William M. Concidine at (619) 855-5157 now to help you in court.