Juvenile courts have great leeway in deciding upon the appropriate penalty to issue in juvenile shoplifting cases. Penalties may vary widely and can include release with a warning, probation, counseling, or participation in a diversion program. Major fines, juvenile detention and jail time are also possibilities, as are orders to pay restitution to the owner of the goods equivalent to the value of property shoplifted.

Where the value of goods stolen or difference in price of goods misrepresented lies between $200 and $1,000, or is less than $200, it will constitute a second or third-degree misdemeanor offense respectively.

If, however, the value or price difference of the goods exceeds $1,000, the crime is considered a felony and attracts harsher penalties and occasionally even adult sentencing. Having a previous criminal history or nearing the age of 17 are other factors which may also exacerbate the punishment handed down.