MS HB616

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-23-93 to revise penalties for shoplifting convictions.

First and second shoplifting convictions for merchandise valued at $1,000 or less remain misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000 and/or jail time up to six months, with suspended sentences and probation as alternatives if certain conditions are met.

Third or subsequent shoplifting convictions become felonies punishable by fines up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to five years (increased from the previous three-year maximum).

Shoplifting merchandise valued over $1,000 is prosecuted as grand larceny under Section 97-17-41.

Effective date is July 1, 2015; prior convictions more than seven years old are disregarded when determining repeat offender status.