Retail Fraud FAQs

The penalty for 1st Degree Retail Fraud is up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine or 3 times the amount of the property stolen.

The penalty for 2nd Degree Retail Fraud is up to 1 year in jail and/or not more than a $2,000 fine or 3 times the value of the property stolen.

The penalty for 3rd Degree Retail Fraud is up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500 or 3 times the value of the property stolen.

Retail Fraud 1st Degree is a felony. Retail Fraud 2nd and 3rd Degrees are misdemeanors.

The difference in degrees is based on the value of the property stolen. If the value is less than $200, then it is a Retail Fraud 3rd Degree. If the value is over $200 but less than $1000, then it is a Retail Fraud 2nd Degree. If the value is over $1000, it is a Retail Fraud 1st Degree.

Organized Retail Fraud is sometimes charged when a person (or persons) show a distinct plan in targeting certain merchandise or certain stores in committing retail fraud offenses.