Shoplifting Laws in Georgia

In Georgia, shoplifting is defined as removing or taking items from a store without paying for them. Either you are hiding them with the intention of robbing the owner of their property. Under Georgia Code Section 16-8-1.

Penalties

Crime: If the object you have stoled is less than $500, it is a misdemeanor and is punished by:

• Twelve months in prison
• Penalties can go up to $1,000

Felony: Items that have been stolen valued between $500 and $1,500 may be prosecuted as felonies, which put you five years in prison.

• If the felony is more serious, then it may be charged in relation to items valued more than $1,500.

Retailers in Georgia are also permitted to sue shoplifters for civil damages.