Shoplifting
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-41-20 — a misdemeanor, at least $50 or twice the price, up to $500, or up to a year
- Taking or carrying away merchandise intending to deprive the merchant of its full retail value.
- Altering or swapping a price tag or label to pay less.
- Moving merchandise from one container to another to pay less.
Each is shoplifting. Concealing unpaid merchandise and taking it past the place to pay is prima facie evidence of it.
The penalty. A misdemeanor, punished by a fine of the greater of $50 or two times the full retail value, but not more than $500, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Repeat convictions over $100 carry more.
A merchant may also seek civil restitution. A particular charge is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-41-20 — Shoplifting
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.