Shoplifting
A.R.S. 13-1805 — a class 1 misdemeanor under $1,000, and a merchant may detain on reasonable cause
| What was taken | Class |
|---|---|
| What was takenLess than $1,000 | ClassClass 1 misdemeanor |
| What was taken$1,000 or more but less than $2,000 | ClassClass 6 felony |
| What was taken$2,000 or more, or during a continuing criminal episode, or to help a criminal street gang or syndicate | ClassClass 5 felony |
| What was takenA firearm, whatever its value | ClassClass 6 felony |
Shoplifting is knowingly obtaining goods displayed for sale, with intent to deprive, by removing them without paying, charging them to a fictitious or unauthorized person, paying less by altering or switching a price tag, moving them into another container, or concealment. A continuing criminal episode is theft of $1,500 or more over at least three separate incidents within ninety consecutive days.
A merchant may detain, with reasonable cause. A merchant, or the merchant's agent or employee, with reasonable cause may detain a person suspected of shoplifting on the premises, in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable time, for questioning or to summon a law enforcement officer. Reasonable cause is a defense to a claim of false arrest or wrongful detention.
A merchant injured by shoplifting may also bring a civil action against the adult, or against the parent or legal guardian of a minor.
Sources for this section (1)
- A.R.S. 13-1805 — Shoplifting; detaining suspect; defense to wrongful detention; civil action by merchant
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Arizona attorney.