Montana § 27-1-718 - Civil Penalty For Shoplifting
Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 27-1-718 — Civil Penalty For Shoplifting, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 27-1-718. Civil Penalty For Shoplifting
Civil penalty for shoplifting. (1) An adult or emancipated minor who takes possession of any goods, wares, or merchandise displayed or offered for sale by any store or other mercantile establishment without the consent of the owner or seller and with the intention of converting the goods to the taker's own use without having paid the purchase price of the goods is liable to the owner or seller for a penalty, whether or not the goods have been returned undamaged, in the amount of the greater of $100 or the retail value of the goods, not to exceed $1,000. This amount is in addition to actual damages. (2) When an unemancipated minor takes possession of any goods, wares, or merchandise displayed or offered for sale by any store or other mercantile establishment without the consent of the owner or seller and with the intention of converting the goods to the minor's own use without having paid the purchase price of the goods, the minor's parent or legal guardian having custody of the minor is liable to the owner or seller for a penalty, whether or not the goods have been returned undamaged, equal to the greater of $100 or the retail value of the goods, not to exceed $1,000. For the purposes of this subsection (2), liability may not be imposed upon any governmental or private agency that has been assigned responsibility for the minor child pursuant to court order or action of the department of corrections or the department of public health and human services. (3) Judgments and claims arising under this section may be assigned. (4) A conviction for violation of 45-6-301 is not a condition precedent to maintenance of a civil action under this section. (5) For purposes of this section, the term "emancipated minor" means a person under 18 years of age who is self-supporting from personal earnings or is married. A person who received more than 25% of the cost of support from any person other than an agency of the government may not be considered an emancipated minor.
Source: official Montana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 27-1-718
What does Montana Code Annotated § 27-1-718 cover?
Section 27-1-718 ("Civil Penalty For Shoplifting") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. 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 Montana § 27-1-718?
A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 27-1-718" (Montana). 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 Montana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.
How does Montana § 27-1-718 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana 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 Montana.