---
title: "Is shoplifting the same as larceny in Rhode Island?"
description: "Shoplifting and larceny are closely related but live in different sections of RI law. Shoplifting is prosecuted under RIGL § 11-41-20 and covers the retail context of concealing merchandise,..."
url: https://bankandmunns.com/faq-items/is-shoplifting-the-same-as-larceny-in-rhode-island/
date: 2026-04-22
modified: 2026-04-22
author: "Bank and Munns"
type: avada_faq
lang: en
---

# Is shoplifting the same as larceny in Rhode Island?

Shoplifting and larceny are closely related but live in different sections of RI law. Shoplifting is prosecuted under RIGL § 11-41-20 and covers the retail context of concealing merchandise, altering price tags, or removing items from a store with intent to deprive. Larceny is the broader crime of taking any property from any owner. In practice, a shoplifting case and a petty larceny case often look similar and can resolve through the same diversion and filed-disposition paths. We cover retail-specific defenses on our (/rhode-island-shoplifting-lawyer/) page. If you were arrested in or near a store, tell your lawyer which statute you were charged under - the wording matters.