Rhode Island uses merchandise value and prior record together to decide whether shoplifting is a misdemeanor or a felony. Low-value first offenses are almost always misdemeanors. Higher-value thefts, or lower-value thefts combined with prior shoplifting convictions, can be charged as felony grand larceny or organized retail theft under Rhode Island law. Because the exact threshold can shift with legislative updates and because the state frequently uses "aggregated" values - combining multiple alleged thefts - the safest answer is that any shoplifting accusation involving more than pocket change deserves a conversation with a Rhode Island shoplifting lawyer before you say a word to the prosecutor. Bank & Munns will tell you exactly where your case falls and whether the value itself is challengeable.