Black Friday Theft Arrests and Skip Scanning at Self-Checkout

Black Friday has long been the busiest shopping day of the year. No matter how big or small they are, retailers everywhere know that crowds and fast-paced shopping can potentially lead to heightened cases of theft, so both store security teams and police departments often prepare for an uptick in these alleged cases. One of the most common cases that can occur during the holiday season is “skip scanning” at self-checkout kiosks.

For anyone facing allegations of theft during this time of year, contacting a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater as soon as possible can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

What is “Skip Scanning”?

Skip scanning occurs when an item is not scanned at all or when a shopper accidentally or intentionally scans a cheaper item in place of a more expensive one. Although this may sound simple, the scenarios can vary widely. 

In some cases, a shopper can be distracted by children, holiday commotion, or crowds and not even realize they hadn’t scanned their item. In other situations, a malfunctioning barcode reader or unclear self-checkout prompts cause an item to register incorrectly. When there is also intentional concealment or under-scanning, stores are more likely to prosecute with more severity. If you are facing any sort of skip scanning charge, working with an experienced Clearwater criminal defense lawyer will help set yourself up to create the strongest defense strategy possible. 

How Florida Law Defines Theft

In Florida, theft is defined as knowingly obtaining or using someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it. One of the most considered factors in the severity of the charge is the value of the property that has been allegedly stolen. Petit theft typically applies when the value is lower than $750, while grand theft involves higher-value items and usually leads to far more significant penalties. Even low-dollar allegations during Black Friday can lead to fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record if not properly addressed. 

How Retailers and Police Handle Skip-Scanning Cases

Major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Publix have invested heavily in tools to identify skip-scanning activity. These stores monitor self-checkout lanes with high-resolution surveillance cameras, digital receipt verification systems, and loss prevention personnel who will watch transactions take place in real time. When store employees believe that merchandise was not scanned, they often stop shoppers before they exit, escort them to a security office, and review footage or receipt data. If staff members believe theft occurred, they may contact local law enforcement. 

During the Black Friday retail rush, these security systems are often used more aggressively as stores expect higher potential losses. When building your case, your criminal defense lawyer in Clearwater can help examine how evidence was collected and whether the interaction with store staff was handled lawfully and use that to determine the most effective defense strategy.

Common Defenses to Skip-Scanning Allegations

Many skip-scanning cases are the result of a misunderstanding or mistake, rather than intentional theft. Lack of intent is one of the most frequently raised defenses, especially when a shopper is overwhelmed by crowds or distracted by family. Faulty equipment, barcode reader errors, or confusing self-checkout screens can also lead to accidental missed scans. On another hand, some cases involve video surveillance footage that is either unclear or incomplete, which can make it extremely difficult to prove criminal intent. 

An experienced criminal defense attorney in Clearwater can help identify which defenses apply and work toward the best possible resolution before the case escalates.

If You Have Been Arrested, Take the Best Course of Action and Seek Legal Council

This Black Friday, if you are falsely accused of skip scanning, take the right step and contact the top-rated retail theft defense lawyers at The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan for experienced defense.

To schedule a complimentary case consultation with a leading criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, call our office at (727) 291-9717.