What are the penalties for shoplifting in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, larceny of merchandise specifically involves stealing items from a business establishment rather than from an individual. This offense is often referred to as shoplifting.

In Oklahoma, grand larceny is defined as the taking of property worth more than $1,000 or property of any value if taken from another’s body. However, most shoplifting charges are considered petit larceny.

Petit larceny, or shoplifting is a serious crime in Oklahoma, and the penalties for it can vary depending on the value of the stolen goods. Whether you’ve been charged with shoplifting or are just curious about the laws in Oklahoma, understanding the consequences can help you make informed decisions and take the necessary steps if you’re ever in this situation.

At Cannon & Associates, we believe in helping you navigate the legal landscape with clarity and ease. If you or someone you know has been charged with shoplifting, we’re here to break down the penalties and explain what you might face under Oklahoma law.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED SHOPLIFTING IN OKLAHOMA?

Under Oklahoma law, shoplifting is defined as the unlawful taking of goods from a store with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of those goods. It may come as a surprise to some people, but this can happen in a variety of ways, including:

Concealing items on your person or in your belongings to avoid paying for them

Switching price tags to lower the price of an item

Returning stolen items for a refund or store credit

In short, if you take something from a store without paying for it, you could be charged with shoplifting—regardless of whether you intended to steal the item or not.

PENALTIES FOR SHOPLIFTING IN OKLAHOMA

The penalties for shoplifting in Oklahoma can range from relatively minor fines to serious jail time, depending on the value of the stolen goods. Oklahoma law divides shoplifting offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties that increase as the value of the stolen items rises.

1. Misdemeanor Shoplifting (Under $500)

If the total value of the stolen goods is less than $500, shoplifting is generally classified as a misdemeanor. While this may seem like a “less serious” charge, the penalties are still significant:

Fines: You could face a fine of up to $500
Jail Time: A conviction could lead to up to one year in county jail
Probation: In some cases, the court may allow probation instead of jail time, but you could still face the fine and other penalties

A misdemeanor conviction stays on your criminal record and can affect future opportunities, including employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

2. Felony Shoplifting (Over $500)

If the value of the stolen goods is $500 or more, even if it is your first offense, shoplifting is classified as a felony offense in Oklahoma. The penalties for felony shoplifting are much more severe:

Fines: You could face fines of up to $5,000
Prison Time: A felony conviction can lead to 1 to 5 years in prison. Depending on your criminal history and the circumstances of the case, you might even face a longer sentence
Probation: Felony convictions can sometimes result in probation, but this depends on the judge’s discretion and other factors, such as your criminal record

Keep in mind that a felony conviction is far more serious than a misdemeanor. It can have long-lasting consequences that affect your career, reputation, and future opportunities.

3. Aggravated Shoplifting (Special Circumstances)

In certain cases, shoplifting may be considered aggravated if there are additional circumstances that make the crime more serious. This could include things like:

Using a weapon during the crime
Previously convicted of shoplifting or other theft-related crimes
Stealing items from a store in a way that poses a risk to the public (e.g., fleeing from the scene in a reckless manner)
Aggravated shoplifting is treated as a felony with higher fines and longer prison sentences than standard felony shoplifting charges

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER BEING ARRESTED FOR SHOPLIFTING

If you’re caught shoplifting, you’ll likely be arrested by local law enforcement and taken into custody. Here’s what typically happens after the arrest:

Booking: You’ll be processed at the jail, where personal information, fingerprints, and a mugshot will be taken.
Bail: Depending on the severity of the charge, you may be able to post bail and be released while you await your court date. For misdemeanor charges, bail is generally more affordable. For felony charges, bail can be much higher.
Court Appearance: Your case will be scheduled for an arraignment, where you’ll be formally charged and asked to enter a plea. At this point, you can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Trial or Negotiation: If you plead not guilty, your case may go to trial. However, many shoplifting cases are resolved through plea deals, where the defendant may agree to certain terms in exchange for a reduced sentence.

DEFENSES TO SHOPLIFTING CHARGES

If you’ve been charged with shoplifting, you may have potential defenses to the charge. Common defenses include:

Mistake of Fact: You may have accidentally taken an item without realizing it
Lack of Intent: Shoplifting requires intent to steal. If you didn’t intend to take the item or if it was an honest mistake, this can be used in your defense
False Accusation: In some cases, people may be wrongly accused of shoplifting due to mistaken identity or misunderstandings

An experienced criminal defense lawyer, such as ours at Cannon & Associates, can help evaluate the specifics of your case and determine the best defense strategy.

HOW CAN A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER HELP?

If you’re facing shoplifting charges in Oklahoma, Cannon & Associates can help guide you through the legal process. Our team will:

Review the evidence against you to look for weaknesses in the case
Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charges or penalties
Help you understand the legal process and make informed decisions about your case
Work for the best possible outcome—whether that’s a reduction in charges, a more lenient sentence, or even a dismissal of the case

Having an experienced lawyer by your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU’RE CHARGED WITH SHOPLIFTING?

If you’ve been charged with shoplifting, the most important thing is to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible (Cannon & Associates is, of course, a great choice). The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances are of resolving the case with the least possible impact on your future. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor or felony charge, it’s important to understand the penalties you may face and the defenses available to you.

If you’ve been charged with shoplifting, don’t wait. Contact us today at (405) 358-4902 for free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help.

By Cannon﹠Associates

March 25, 2025