Retailers refer to the holiday season as the Super Bowl of shoplifting — as do shoplifters. Let us assure you, you’d be surprised who gets caught in the act. 

For example, a Kentucky sheriff’s lieutenant and his girlfriend were recently arrested for shoplifting Christmas decorations and a cooler from an online auction warehouse. Following his arrest, the officer was suspended without pay. 

Similarly, three shoplifters were recently detained for shoplifting at a GameStop using a clever, three-person approach, in which one person removed theft sensors, one person distracted employees, and one person attempted [...]

You’ve been arrested for shoplifting. Maybe it was a miscommunication, maybe you couldn’t help yourself. For most people in North Carolina, a first offense will probably land you a fine…and the penalty of public shame.

There’s only one problem. You’ve already been convicted of shoplifting before.

So what should you expect this time?

Second Convictions in North Carolina Come With Stronger Penalties

State laws take into account that someone’s first crime may just be their last. The penalties for a first shoplifting conviction (which can include up to 10 days in jail) are [...]

You’re shopping in a store. Suddenly, a store security guard or manager comes up to you and accuses you of shoplifting or says that you have to come with them immediately.

What can you do? What should you expect to happen?

Below, we’re going to provide an overview of what happens in North Carolina after that initial shoplifting accusation, as well as what rights you have and how you can fight back to clear your name.

North Carolina Shoplifting: What the Store Can Do

The laws in North Carolina prohibit both merchandise concealment [...]