Shoplifting or retail theft laws vary from state to state, and in many states the act of shoplifting—taking displayed goods from a commercial retail store during store hours and without paying for the goods—is classified as the criminal offense of theft or larceny.

Shoplifting, theft, and larceny laws are often classified in part by the value of the goods stolen, attempted to be stolen, or intended to be stolen. These laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Arizona, shoplifting is addressed under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-1805. The law defines shoplifting as knowingly obtaining goods from a retail establishment with the intent to deprive the establishment of those goods by: removing goods without paying, paying less than the purchase price by trick or artifice, transferring the goods to another container, concealing the goods, or under-ringing the item by a cashier in collusion with the shoplifter. The penalties for shoplifting in Arizona depend on the value of the stolen items and can range from a class 1 misdemeanor for items valued at less than $1,000, to a class 6 felony for items valued at $1,000 to $2,000, or a class 4 felony for items valued over $2,000 or if the shoplifting is part of an organized retail theft scheme. Enhanced penalties may apply if the shoplifting was committed with the use of an artifice, instrument, container, device, or other article with the intent to facilitate the shoplifting. Repeat offenses and shoplifting during a state of emergency can also result in more severe penalties.