Shoplifting, also known as retail fraud or retail theft, is one of the most common theft offenses regularly prosecuted in the U.S. Many retail establishments have loss prevention specialists monitoring shoppers. They may also have security guards and managers on patrol watching for misconduct.
People of all ages and backgrounds can end up arrested and facing charges for behavior ranging from hiding merchandise while in a store to tampering with price tags and barcodes. While shoplifting occurs throughout the year, retail establishments are often on high alert for shoplifting offenses in November and December, which some experts refer to as shoplifting season.
Why does shoplifting increase toward the end of the year?
The holidays create financial pressure
For many people, the holiday season sees a drastic increase in their expenses. The need to purchase gifts, pay for travel or put together holiday meals can strain an otherwise balanced budget.
Additionally, many people have mandatory time off work around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Unless they receive holiday pay from their employers, the loss of those workdays can leave people struggling to afford their usual expenses.
When people feel financial strain, shoplifting may seem like a reasonable way to acquire gifts or groceries that they otherwise could not afford. Shoplifting incidents tend to surge around the holidays, which means that retail establishments also redouble their enforcement efforts throughout November and December.
How can people fight charges filed during shoplifting season?
Individuals accused of shoplifting may have a variety of defense options available. The circumstances leading to an individual’s arrest, their prior criminal record and even the type of shoplifting that allegedly occurred can all influence the defense strategy utilized during criminal proceedings.
Defendants facing retail theft allegations may be able to prove that store workers misinterpreted their intentions or that a simple mistake led to their prosecution. Other times, inappropriate conduct on the part of managers, security professionals or loss prevention specialists could undermine the prosecutor’s case and the usefulness of the evidence gathered. It may even be possible to negotiate a plea bargain that reduces the charges or the penalties imposed.
Discussing pending shoplifting charges with a criminal defense attorney can lead to a viable defense strategy. Defendants with the right assistance can avoid convictions or otherwise minimize the penalties they’re facing after a shoplifting arrest.