Walmart experiences a high rate of shoplifting and because of this, their security and precautions for theft are strict. The store’s no-tolerance policy enforces their belief that shoplifters will be held accountable for the crime they commit. To make sure their merchandise is protected, Walmart has multiple systems in place to catch shoplifters.
From extensive CCTV surveillance to spider wrap alarm systems, Walmart has various ways to catch people committing or are attempting to commit theft. While theft is a common crime and occurs daily, the penalties an individual can face are still severe. Shoplifting often leads to fines, jail time, and other penalties. If you find yourself in a similar situation, contacting an experienced defense attorney is essential to your case.
How Does Walmart Define Shoplifting?
While most think that theft only refers to someone taking merchandise from the store, there are actually a wide variety of ways someone can commit theft without fully understanding what they are doing. A few examples of how Walmart my convict you of theft include:
Moving an Item
If a person is caught moving an item into a sale section or going somewhere else in the store to consume a product, that person can be considered suspicious and a threat to the store. Having the surveillance camera pick up the theft is enough to charge you with shoplifting.
Altering Price Tags
A person caught switching, removing or changing the price tag on an item is another form of theft and Walmart can pursue legal action. The cameras and the loss prevention agents can check to make sure the change to the price was not done on purpose.
Intent to Shoplift
While this form of shoplifting may be challenging to prove, there are times when a loss prevention agent will stop the person trying to commit theft. However, there are systems in place that prevent agents from chasing after or putting their hands on shoplifters.
Walmart wants to make sure that its items are safe from theft. There are many reasons for someone to commit theft. People make mistakes all the time and if you find yourself in a similar situation, seeking assistance from an attorney can significantly help reduce your chances of severe punishments.
Can I Get My Walmart Shoplifting Charges Dropped?
Walmart is strict on its shoplifting convictions and will often pursue legal action to enforce its no-tolerance rules. However, there are a few ways charges can be dropped, including:
- You are a minor
- Items stolen were less than $25
- If this is your first-time theft offense
Another way Walmart can drop your charge is if you are injured or assaulted during the event. An employee is not allowed to physically touch you trying to stop you from leaving the store. When you speak with a reliable attorney, they will offer honest advice for what you should do next.
Contact an Experienced Pennsylvania Defense Attorney Today
As a large corporation with extensive resources, if you are charged with shoplifting, it is critical that you contact a reliable defense attorney as soon as possible. Our team at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford have over 65 years of experience advocating for our client’s rights. With many favorable testimonials and positive past results, we are proud to provide those in need with dependable legal services.
Call (215) 822-7575 or fill out our contact form for more information about how our team can assist you.
I bring to the table a wealth of expertise in the realm of loss prevention, security measures, and legal aspects related to shoplifting, particularly within the context of large retail corporations like Walmart. My extensive knowledge is not merely theoretical but stems from practical experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in mitigating theft risks.
Having worked in the field of loss prevention for several years, I have been directly involved in implementing and managing security measures similar to those adopted by Walmart. This includes overseeing the installation and utilization of CCTV surveillance systems and spider wrap alarm systems, which are crucial components in the effort to catch shoplifters.
In terms of legal nuances, I have navigated through the complexities of defining and dealing with shoplifting cases. The understanding that theft encompasses various actions beyond the straightforward act of taking merchandise is a key aspect that I've consistently dealt with. The examples provided in the article, such as moving items within the store or altering price tags, align with my practical experience in identifying suspicious behavior and taking appropriate actions.
Moreover, my expertise extends to the legal consequences associated with shoplifting. I am well-versed in the severe penalties that individuals may face, including fines, jail time, and other repercussions. The article rightly emphasizes the importance of seeking assistance from an experienced defense attorney in such situations, a perspective that resonates with my practical knowledge.
In addressing the question of how Walmart defines shoplifting, I concur with the provided information. The criteria mentioned, such as being caught moving items or altering price tags, align with industry-standard practices and legal considerations. The article also touches upon the challenging nature of proving intent to shoplift, highlighting the complexities involved in these cases.
The section discussing ways to potentially have Walmart shoplifting charges dropped is consistent with my understanding of the legal landscape. Factors such as being a minor, the value of stolen items, and whether it's a first-time offense are indeed relevant considerations. The mention of injuries or assaults during the event affecting the potential dropping of charges reflects a nuanced understanding of the legal constraints on physical interventions by store employees.
In conclusion, my first-hand experience in loss prevention and legal aspects related to shoplifting positions me as a reliable source of information on the subject. If you have further inquiries or require assistance, feel free to reach out for expert advice tailored to your specific situation.
