MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What charge should a suspect face if found shoplifting a bottle of liquor worth $30.00?

1. Larceny in a Building

2. Retail Fraud 3rd Degree

3. Retail Fraud 2nd Degree

4. Simple Theft

The correct answer is: Retail Fraud 3rd Degree

The appropriate charge for shoplifting a bottle of liquor valued at $30.00 is Retail Fraud 3rd Degree. This charge applies to instances of retail theft where the value of the goods taken is less than $200. In this scenario, since the item in question is a bottle of liquor costing $30.00, it clearly falls under the threshold for a 3rd Degree charge. Retail Fraud is categorized into different degrees based on the value of the property involved. 3rd Degree is the least severe form of retail fraud and is specifically designated for lower-value thefts, such as the one described in this case. This classification reflects the belief that lesser amounts warrant less severe consequences compared to higher-value theft, which could lead to more serious charges such as Retail Fraud 2nd Degree, applicable for items valued between $200 and $1,000. Other charges, like Larceny in a Building or Simple Theft, do not accurately fit the specific circumstances of a retail theft scenario where shoplifting occurs within a store. Larceny in a Building typically refers to theft from a structure where one is not authorized to be, while Simple Theft lacks the specific retail context that applies here. Therefore, Retail Fraud 3rd Degree is