Shoplifting in Connecticut

Usually, it starts small. Maybe your child wanted a small item but didn’t have enough money to pay for it. But this can turn into a more serious situation if your child decides to shoplift. Numerous teenagers battle shoplifting, whether it was their original idea or peer pressure from other friends. Here I will discuss what shoplifting means and the reasons behind it.

What is Shoplifting?

Shoplifting occurs when someone purposefully takes goods or merchandise that are for sale without paying. Young adults or teenagers are more likely to shoplift than adults for several reasons. This form of theft is a common minor crime among the younger community.

Intent is one of the most important aspects of this crime. If the suspect intentionally took something from a store, it counts as shoplifting. If you accidentally keep an item without paying, you aren’t committing a crime. You can use that as a defense to this charge. For instance, if your child puts something in the cart or carries an item out of the store, that can be seen as unintentional and is easily able to be used as a defense against a shoplifting charge.

Why Do Teens Shoplift?

It’s important for parents to remember that teenagers do not have fully developed brains. A person’s brain is not fully developed until the age of 25. Teenagers have the reputation of being reckless or impulsive which leads to the idea that they are more likely to shoplift than others. They don’t think about the consequences of their actions and what effects it could have on their future. As stated before, teenagers might shoplift for the rush they get or it could be from peer pressure. Either way it is important to acknowledge that teens are not thinking about their future and might make mistakes at times. Talk to your children about shoplifting and the consequences it can have on their lives. It might start out small, but it could lead to bigger issues down the road.

Getting Help

These cases are dependent on the value of the items stolen, any previous offenses, and other elements. Feel free to contact a juvenile defense attorney, such as myself, to help your child in a case of shoplifting. Please contact my office at 203-208-3067 to set up a free consultation and figure out how to proceed.