Landis, NC asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina

Q: How can i be charged with shoplifting (enhanced) on my first shoplifting charge?

Cop charged me with shoplifting enhanced because I had convictions of grand larceny and receiving stolen goods. These charges were 6 years before and both for same offense. Cop said it was my third property crime but the two prior property crimes were for one incedent. Also what I'm being charged for is changing a barcode on item. I was arrested in middle of store and didn't even begin to take item to a register to pay for it nor try to steal the item. How can they prove shoplififting with this?Thanks

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1 Lawyer Answer
Ryan D Templeton
Ryan D Templeton
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Summerville, SC
  • Licensed in South Carolina

A: The SC shoplifting statute allows charges when someone manipulated a barcode or conceals a product. 16-13-110(A)(2).

16-1-57 is the enhancement statute. That statute requires at least two previous convictions for crimes in which the penalty is dependent upon the value of the item.

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