There has been a lot of confusion from people who are charged with stealing relatively small items from a store (for example, a candy bar) regarding the potential consequences they are facing.   This confusion centers around why they are facing jail and how it is justified.

The District Attorney has several options when deciding how to charge a particular case.  With regards to the typical shoplifting case, regardless of the value of the item taken, the D.A. can usually charge the crime as a Commercial Burglary (a felony), as well as Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (also a felony).   A conviction on either of these charges can result in serious jail time.

Please beware of the true potential of any given crime before going to Court.  I have spoken to too many people, after the fact, who thought that they would only get a slap on the wrist, only to find out how serious the situation was.