How Self-Checkout Could Lead to Criminal Charges
While self-checkout lanes have been around for decades, they really came to prominence in the US in the early 2000s. Now, most supermarkets as well as many other types of retailers have self-checkout. But what happens if you use self-checkout and you forget to ring-up an item? Unfortunately, forgetting to ring-up an item could lead to criminal charges.
Theft and Larceny Basics in NY
When a person takes property without permission with the intent of keeping that property from its rightful owner, that is theft. Sometimes, this is also called larceny. In New York, larcenies are punished by degree. This means that based on the value of the property involved, the crime will be punished by varying degrees of seriousness.
- Petit Larceny – item valued up to $1,000
- Fourth Degree Grand Larceny – item valued between $1,000 and $3,000
- Third Degree Grand Larceny – item valued between $3,000 and $50,000
- Second Degree Grand Larceny – item valued between $50,000 and $1 million
- First Degree Grand Larceny – item valued in excess of $1 million
While Petit Larceny is a class A misdemeanor, all Grand Larceny charges are felony offenses. In some cases, state prison sentences can be imposed – particularly where the theft is for higher amounts.
How Self-Checkout Can Result in Criminal Charges
As recently reported in the news, retailers have been accused of targeting shoppers for accidently missing items at self-checkout. For example, one person in Arizona was charged with a theft offense for missing items valued over $30 when she checked herself out at a Walmart. Another woman claimed she was banned from her local Walmart for life after failing to ring up a single item valued at $1.98.
In Virginia, a Wegman’s customer successfully fought her theft charges and was found not guilty. This was because she was able to show she didn’t intend to take the item without payment. Rather, she proved she accidently didn’t ring-up the item at self-checkout.
To avoid such theft accusations, you should confirm each item appears on their receipt before leaving the checkout area. Or, ask a store associate for help with your purchase. It may also be worthwhile to wait for a cashier to ring-up your purchase.
What to Do If Accused of Theft at Self-Checkout
If you are approached by security guards, loss prevention, or police officers after leaving self-checkout, it may be best to say silent. Trying to explain that you accidently forgot to scan an item at self-checkout could be construed as an admission to theft. If you’re charged with theft or larceny, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
However, even if you aren’t subject to criminal charges, you may still have to pay a civil penalty for the theft. Retailers can initiate civil proceedings and seek up to $1,500 compensation for items which were stolen, not recovered, or can’t be resold. Moreover, they can also ask for an additional penalty of up to $500.
References:
- NY Penal Law Article 155, Offenses Involving Theft. Available at: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/P3TJA155 (last accessed Sept. 7, 2022).
- General Obligations Law § 11-105, Larceny in Mercantile Establishments. Available at: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/11-105 (last accessed Sept. 7, 2022).
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