Often when people are convicted of a shoplifting offense they want to know exactly what is shoplifting. How is it different from any other theft offense.

One way to answer this question, is to look at the theft laws for one state. In particular we'll look at South Carolina theft laws. 

Shoplifting Can Be Just Moving An Item in a Store

Some people think shoplifting means taking an item out of a store. This doesn't have to be the case. Simply moving an item in a store without the owner's permission can be shoplifting: Here's part of the law:

"...takes possession of, carries away, transfers from one person to another or from one area of a store or other retail mercantile establishment to another area, or causes to be carried away or transferred any merchandise displayed, held, stored, or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use, or benefit of the merchandise without paying the full retail value;"

This means that if you take something from the clothing section and put it in the hardware section, this is shoplifting. The presumption is that you might be trying to move something so that you can take it later. But even if you aren't doing this, it's still theft.

Another thing that people do is move items from one area (the full price area) to another area (the sale area). This is also shoplifting:

"...transfers any merchandise displayed, held, stored, or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment from the container in which it is displayed to any other container with intent to deprive the merchant of the full retail value."

Modifying a Price Tag is Shoplifting

If you in any way modify a price tag, this is also shoplifting. Maybe you peel off a tag or put a tag from another cheaper item on the existing tag so you can pay less for it. It's still shoplifting. Again, here's the law:

"...alters, transfers, or removes any label, price tag marking, indicia of value, or any other markings which aid in determining value affixed to any merchandise displayed, held, stored, or offered for sale in a store or other retail mercantile establishment and attempts to purchase the merchandise personally or in consort with another at less than the full retail value with the intention of depriving the merchant of the full retail value of the merchandise;"

So shoplifting is really any time a person makes an item unavailable for a merchant to sell at they price they indend to sell the item. This means that making the price lower, modifying the item or indeed taking the item are all forms of theft.

Finding the right theft or shoplifting class to meet a court or other requirement can be difficult. Here are simple tips to help choose the best program to deal with your theft and shoplifting problems.

When looking for a theft, shoplifting or larceny class, you have two options. Your first option is to attend an in-person class. This is typically a weekly class that you would attend for an hour each session. The second option is an online course which you would take from your computer connected to the web. This class can be taken completely online and can be done completely on your own schedule.

The in-person course used to be the only option available. Most in-person theft and shoplifting classes meet on a weekly basis at a set time. You go to the class for the number of sessions that you have been told you must attend until your requirement has been met.

The quality of the in-person course really depends upon the teacher teaching the course. Sometimes you'll get a really good dynamic and interesting teacher who can keep you engaged in the materials. Other times, you'll find that your theft course instructor is boring or really can't relate the material to you well.

Depending on where you live in-person courses can be convenient or at times they can be terribly inconvenient. In larger metropolitan areas such as New York or California, there are usually numerous options for courses and it's usually not hard to fit one within your schedule. But if you live in a smaller city or town there might not be very many options. You might only have a single available day of the week at time (like Tuesdays at 6:00pm). If it works for you, then great, but if not, then you're out of luck.

Online courses have become very popular recently because they are much more convenient than in-person classes. You can typically take the online shoplifting class at your own pace and whenever it is convenience for you to finish. This works well for people who have busy schedules. Also some people enjoy the experience of working on their computer more than being in a group setting.

Another advantage of online courses is that they can be finished more quickly than an in-person class. If you have an 8 hour shoplifting class requirement, instead of having to go to an in-person class once a week for 8 weeks, you can do more than one hour in a single sitting. Maybe you can even finish the entire class over a weekend.

My recommendation is that you take an in-person theft class or shoplifting class in the following circumstances:

• You can find a class that is convenient for your schedule.
• You like the structure of a weekly class
• The teacher of the class has a good reputation.
• You like working in a group setting.
• You don't like working on the computer or internet.

You should consider an online theft course if any of the following are true:

• There are no convenient times available for an in-person class
• There are no classes that are conveniently close for you to get to.
• You like the flexibility to take the course at your own time and convenience.
• You like working by yourself and prefer not to be in a group.
• You are in a hurry to complete your class.
• You like working on the computer and internet.

Not every class is going to be perfect for a you. So you should consider all your options before picking a theft or shoplifting class.