Rhode Island Shoplifting Laws and Penalties 2025 Explained

Just as in other states, Rhode Island shoplifting laws and penalties are taken very seriously. Shoplifting is a criminal offense that involves the act of stealing merchandise from a retail store without paying for it. This crime can cause financial harm to retailers, and have a broader economic impact on the state. Understanding the legal provisions the state has made regarding specific shoplifting laws is essential for consumers and business owners.

Hiring a Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Shoplifting Offense

When looking for a criminal defense lawyer for a shoplifting offense, it’s important to choose someone who is experienced in handling theft-related cases. Ellison Law LLC has a skilled criminal defense legal team that has worked on a multitude of shoplifting cases. Our lawyers are familiar with Rhode Island state laws, allowing us to build solid defense strategies for these types of cases.

Our Rhode Island criminal defense lawyers have a proven track record with positive outcomes. Our past clients have written positive reviews that provide insight into our approach and professionalism. If you are facing shoplifting charges, it’s important to contact our criminal defense law firm as soon as possible so we may begin gathering evidence and building your case.

What Is Shoplifting in Rhode Island?

Under Rhode Island law, shoplifting is considered the act of taking goods or merchandise from a store with the intent to permanently deprive the store of its property without paying for it. It’s important to note that the definition and law may include various methods of theft. These include concealing items, switching price tags to play less, or removing security devices. Shoplifting can occur in a variety of situations and is not limited to just walking out of a store with stolen items.

Key Elements of Shoplifting in Rhode Island

Skilled criminal defense attorneys understand that in order for a prosecution to secure a conviction for shoplifting, they must prove certain elements beyond a reasonable doubt. These include intent, action of taking or concealing, merchandise, and value of goods. Working with an experienced attorney will allow you the opportunity to build a legal defense strategy that counterarguments each of these elements to hopefully avoid a conviction.

Degrees of Shoplifting in Rhode Island

The law in Rhode Island divides shoplifting offenses into two primary categories: misdemeanor shoplifting and felony shoplifting. The value of the stolen property largely depicts the classification of the offense.

The Value of the Merchandise

Thefts that involve lesser values are typically defined as misdemeanor shoplifting. If the total amount of merchandise stolen is less than $1,500, it will fall into this category. If a person is a first-time offender and has no prior criminal history, they may face a misdemeanor charge as well. The penalties associated with a misdemeanor shoplifting charge are:

• A fine of up to $500
• Imprisonment of up to one year
• Community service
• Probation
• Restitution to the retailer for the stolen goods

When the value of stolen merchandise is greater than $1,500, it is generally classified as felony shoplifting in Rhode Island. A felony charge may also apply to repeat offenders, especially if the prosecution can prove that theft or shoplifting is a pattern of criminal behavior for the defendant.

The penalties associated with felony shoplifting charges are:

• A fine of up to $5,000
• Imprisonment of up to three years
• Probation
• Restitution for stolen goods

In Rhode Island, the use of instruments or devices that aid in the theft may warrant additional charges and more severe penalties. Instruments include lock-picking tools and anti-theft device removers. If you have been convicted of a felony shoplifting charge, you may face additional consequences, such as a permanent record that makes it harder to secure a job, housing, and other opportunities.

Factors That Affect Sentencing for Shoplifting in Rhode Island

There are many factors, aside from the crime itself, that affect the length of sentencing for shoplifting in Rhode Island. These include:

• Prior criminal history
• Value of stolen merchandise
• Aggravating circumstances
• Restitution
• Youth and first-time offenders

Civil Liability for Shoplifting in Rhode Island

Rhode Island law allows stores to pursue civil actions against individuals caught shoplifting in addition to criminal penalties. Under Rhode Island General Laws § 11-41-28, a retailer may seek to recover damages in a civil court proceeding. Retailers can file legal claims against shoplifters for the value of stolen goods as well as the attorney fees they have to pay. These are different from any criminal proceedings and can result in significant financial liability for the shoplifter.

Shoplifting Laws and Penalties FAQs

Q: What Defense Strategies Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Use in Shoplifting Cases?

A: Criminal defense lawyers may use a variety of legal defense strategies in criminal defense cases. These can include lack of intent, mistake of fact, lack of evidence, entrapment, and more. Creating a strong defense strategy is one of the main jobs of a criminal defense lawyer and is often the reason many of these cases are either dropped or lessened. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

Q: What Are the Consequences of Getting Caught Shoplifting?

A: There are many consequences of getting caught shoplifting. These include being banned from the store, receiving a citation or fine, being arrested, potential jail time, probation, paying restitution for the stolen goods, and a criminal record. The severity of the consequences largely depends on the defendant’s past criminal history as well as the particulars surrounding the case.

Q: How Long Does a Store Have to Press Charges for Shoplifting in Rhode Island?

A: For most misdemeanors and felonies in Rhode Island, there is a three-year statute of limitation for pressing charges. In regards to shoplifting, most stores and companies generally file charges within a few days or weeks after an incident has occurred. They generally present their evidence to the police, which could result in an arrest and court appearance.

As soon as you believe you are under investigation or are charged with shoplifting, you should consult with a lawyer right away.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Petty Theft and Shoplifting?

A: Petty theft is the general term used to reference the act of stealing something of value with the intent to keep it. Shoplifting is a type of petty theft that specifically refers to stealing merchandise from a store, while petty theft can apply to any other type of theft as well. A skilled criminal defense attorney can discuss this more in detail with you to help determine which type of theft you are dealing with.

Contact Our Rhode Island Criminal Defense Law Firm

Ellison Law LLC is a criminal defense law firm that is experienced in all cases related to Rhode Island law. Our team is well-versed in the particulars of the state’s legal proceedings and is well-equipped to handle a variety of criminal defense cases. If you or someone you know is facing shoplifting charges, it is time to contact our office so we can start creating a tailored defense strategy. Give our office a call today.