Georgia charges shoplifting as theft by shoplifting under O.C.G.A. §16-8-14. When the goods are worth $500 or less, a first offense is punished as a misdemeanor: up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Above $500 it is a felony carrying 1 to 10 years in prison, and a fourth shoplifting conviction is a felony whatever the value.
This guide reflects the Official Code of Georgia as of October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute or ask a Georgia criminal defense attorney or public defender about your case.
First offense shoplifting in Georgia
A first shoplifting offense involving goods worth $500 or less is punished as a misdemeanor. Under Georgia's general misdemeanor statute, §17-10-3, that means a fine of up to $1,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both.
Penalties rise with each conviction, even when the value stays under $500:
- Second offense: a fine of at least $500, which cannot be suspended or probated.
- Third offense: at least 30 days in jail, or confinement in an alternative such as a probation boot camp.
- Fourth or later offense: a felony with 1 to 10 years in prison. The first year cannot be suspended, probated, deferred or withheld, unless the prosecutor and the defendant agree to a departure from that minimum. Earlier convictions count whether they were felonies or misdemeanors, and nolo contendere pleas count as convictions.
When is shoplifting a felony in Georgia?
Theft by shoplifting is a felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, when:
- The goods are worth more than $500.
- The values of several thefts added together exceed $500. Georgia allows this, for example, for thefts from three separate stores in one county within seven days.
- It is the person's fourth or later shoplifting conviction.
Since 2021, organized retail theft is a separate offense (§16-8-14.2) for goods worth more than $24,999.99 taken over 180 days, with 3 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Our guide to when shoplifting is a felony compares other states.
Store civil claims after shoplifting in Georgia
Separately from the criminal case, Georgia's general civil theft statute, §51-10-6, lets a property owner recover:
- Compensatory damages for the loss.
- Liquidated damages of $300 or three times the entire loss, when the whole claim is under $5,000 and the owner sent a written demand at least 30 days before suing.
- The cost of bringing the civil action.
A civil claim does not resolve the criminal charge. Read our guide to shoplifting civil demand letters, and talk to an attorney before paying or responding.
First Offender Act and pretrial diversion
- First Offender Act (§42-8-60): when a defendant has not been convicted of a felony before, the court may, with the defendant's consent, defer proceedings without entering a judgment of guilt. Completing the sentence exonerates the person of guilt and discharges them as a matter of law. Some offenses are excluded, so ask your attorney whether you qualify.
- Pretrial Intervention and Diversion (§15-18-80): prosecutors' offices are authorized to run pretrial diversion programs, and each sets its own eligibility rules and conditions.
Courts and diversion programs may require a theft or shoplifting class as a condition. Your court order or program sets the class and the hours.
Taking a shoplifting class online in Georgia
If you have been ordered to complete a theft or shoplifting class, confirm before you enroll that a self-paced online class meets the requirement. Our Georgia shoplifting class page lists the options, and our guide to what happens in a court-ordered shoplifting class covers what the class includes.