District Of Columbia § 22-3213 - Shoplifting.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 22-3213 — Shoplifting., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-3213. Shoplifting.
22-3213A person commits the offense of shoplifting if, with intent to appropriate without complete payment any personal property of another that is offered for sale or with intent to defraud the owner of the value of the property, that person:
Knowingly conceals or takes possession of any such property;
Knowingly removes or alters the price tag, serial number, or other identification mark that is imprinted on or attached to such property; or
Knowingly transfers any such property from the container in which it is displayed or packaged to any other display container or sales package.
Any person convicted of shoplifting shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both.
It is not an offense to attempt to commit the offense described in this section.
A person who offers tangible personal property for sale to the public, or an employee or agent of such a person, who detains or causes the arrest of a person in a place where the property is offered for sale shall not be held liable for detention, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, defamation, or false arrest, in any proceeding arising out of such detention or arrest, if:
The person detaining or causing the arrest had, at the time thereof, probable cause to believe that the person detained or arrested had committed in that person’s presence, an offense described in this section;
The manner of the detention or arrest was reasonable;
Law enforcement authorities were notified within a reasonable time; and
The person detained or arrested was released within a reasonable time of the detention or arrest, or was surrendered to law enforcement authorities within a reasonable time.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 22-3213
What does D.C. Code § 22-3213 cover?
Section 22-3213 ("Shoplifting.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 22-3213?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 22-3213" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 22-3213 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.