North Carolina Theft and Shoplifting Laws

If you're looking for a North Carolina online shoplifting class, it's important to know your North Carolina theft laws. This can help you understand more about your offense.

Please note that the North Carolina theft and shoplifting laws shown on this page are to help you to understand your local North Carolina theft, shoplifting and stealing laws. While we have tried to show the most up-to-date version of North Carolina theft laws, we do not guarantee its accuracy. This page is not a replacement for legal advice from an attorney. We suggest that you consult with an appropriate lawyer for more information about North Carolina theft laws.

North Carolina law has abolished the distinction between grand and petit larceny. Larceny is generally a Class H felony, regardless of the value of the stolen goods, except in specific circumstances. Stealing property worth more than $1,000 is a Class H felony, as is receiving or possessing stolen goods worth more than $1,000 knowing or having reason to believe they were stolen. However, larceny becomes a felony regardless of value if committed from a person, during specific breaking and entering offenses, or if the stolen item is an explosive, incendiary device, firearm, or certain state archival records. Possessing or receiving stolen goods in these circumstances is also a felony regardless of value.

Merchants and law enforcement officers are generally protected from civil liability for detaining or arresting suspected shoplifters if they have probable cause. Concealing merchandise within a store is a misdemeanor with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Using lead-lined bags or similar devices to defeat anti-shoplifting technology is a Class H felony.

Other theft-related offenses include unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor unless the vehicle is an aircraft, in which case it is a Class H felony. Removing shopping carts from store premises is a Class 3 misdemeanor. Taking or selling dairy milk cases without the owner's consent is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Larceny of motor fuel worth less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with driver's license revocation for repeat offenses. Larceny from permitted construction sites involving goods worth between $300 and $1,000 is a Class I felony.

"Chop shop" activities, such as altering or dismantling stolen vehicles, are a Class H felony, with potential civil penalties and private actions for aggrieved parties. Larceny of motor vehicle parts requiring repairs costing $1,000 or more is a Class I felony. Specific circumstances elevate larceny from a merchant to a Class H felony, including thefts exceeding $200 using designated fire exits, tampering with anti-shoplifting devices, using fraudulent product codes, or stealing infant formula worth over $100.

The Superior Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over larceny cases involving property worth more than $1,000. Misdemeanor larcenies are considered petty misdemeanors. Larceny by servants or employees is either a Class C or Class H felony, depending on the value of the stolen items. Stealing specific financial instruments or evidence of secret technical processes is a Class H felony. Larceny, concealment, or destruction of wills is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Stealing ungathered crops or ginseng is a Class H felony. Taking pine needles from land with posted notices is also a Class H felony. Larceny of horses, mules, swine, or cattle is a Class H felony, while larceny of a dog is a Class I felony, with minimum punishments involving restitution and fines. Unlawfully taking horses, mules, or dogs for temporary use is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Fixtures are subject to larceny charges, and all animals in a person's possession can be the subject of larceny. Harming livestock with the intent to steal is a Class H felony. Conveyances used in various theft-related crimes are subject to seizure and forfeiture, except in certain circumstances like common carriers or vehicles unlawfully possessed by someone other than the owner. Larceny, destruction, or vandalism of portable toilets or pumper trucks is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

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