Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog

Actress Bai Ling was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly shoplifting a pack of batteries and two magazines, valued at $16, from a gift shop at the Los Angeles International Airport.

She was apprehended after someone else in the store reported seeing her take the items. The Chinese-born actress admitted to police that she didn’t pay for the items.

A major movie star in China, Bai Ling has appeared in American films, including “The Crow” and “Red Corner.” She also has appeared in the ABC TV series “Lost.”

Shoplifting in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a shoplifting statute that makes it a crime to steal merchandise from a store. The severity of the charges will depend on the value of the items stolen and whether the defendant has any prior criminal offenses.

If the stolen merchandise is worth less than $100:
1st offense: A $250 maximum fine
2nd offense: A $500 maximum fine
3rd offense: 2 years maximum jail sentence

If the stolen merchandise is worth $100 or greater:
1st offense: A $1,000 maximum fine and up to 2.5 years in jail
2nd offense or more: A larger fine and a longer jail sentence

Police officers in Boston and other cities in Massachusetts are allowed to arrest anyone without a warrant if there is probable cause to think that the suspect has committed a shoplifting crime. If a storeowner, store employee, or store representative provides a statement to law enforcement officers naming you as a shoplifting suspect—that is considered probable cause.

One of our Massachusetts theft crimes lawyers would be happy to discuss your case with you.

'Crow' actress arrested on shoplifting suspicion, CNN.com, February 15, 2008

Bai Ling arrested for shoplifting in L.A., Reuters, February 14, 2008

Related Web Resource:

Chapter 266: Section 30A. Shoplifting; penalty; arrest without warrant, Massachusetts General Laws