What is Skip Scanning? Insight from a Criminal Defense Attorney in Pinellas County

Skip scanning is a form of retail theft that involves intentionally not scanning items at a store’s point of sale or checkout. While it may seem like an easy way to save money, skip scanning can have serious legal consequences and is now easier than ever for retailers and security teams to detect. 

If you are facing a charge of skip scanning, the first step to take is to consult with a leading criminal defense attorney in St. Petersburg at The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier who has the experience necessary to build a proper defense.

How Can Skip Scanning Happen?

While shoplifting can seem like a blanket term for stealing from a store, skip scanning occurs specifically at the checkout area. Skip scanning can happen in several ways, but the most common case involves a customer at a self-checkout station. In these situations, individuals may intentionally not scan certain items but scan others in hopes of avoiding paying for those skipped items. Sometimes, it could be an honest mistake, but it can also be a deliberate attempt to commit theft “undetected.”

In other cases, individuals may try to manipulate the system by scanning cheaper items in place of more expensive ones, or by intentionally failing to scan certain items entirely. Whether it’s done out of convenience or with a planned intention, skip scanning is still considered theft under Florida law.

The Role of AI and Facial Recognition Technology

As technology continues to improve, the methods used by retailers and stores to catch shoppers who skip scan do as well. Many retailers now use artificial intelligence detection systems to track and identify repeat offenders. High-definition cameras and video analysis tools are now capturing detailed recordings of customers during every transaction.

If an individual is suspected of skip scanning, retailers can look back at video footage from previous transactions. AI facial recognition algorithms analyze facial features and other data to identify the same person in different video recordings, even from days or weeks prior. If they are found to have committed skip scanning on multiple occasions, they can face multiple charges of retail theft.

This use of technology has made it easier for retailers to not only identify current offenders, but also build a case against repeat offenders. This means that if you are arrested for skip scanning, there is a possibility that you could be re-arrested based on prior video evidence, even if you were not apprehended at the time.

Why You Should Be Cautious and What to Tell Your Attorney

If you have been arrested for skip scanning, it is crucial to be open with your St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney with The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier about your previous transactions with that particular retailer. Stores everywhere are starting to use high-quality video recordings to capture the entire checkout process. If you have skip scanned before, even unintentionally, it could potentially be used against you in a court of law.

Contact The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier for a Consultation

If you have been arrested for skip scanning or are facing charges related to retail theft, do not wait to seek legal representation. At The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier, our St. Petersburg defense attorneys have the necessary experience in skip scanning cases to work toward the best possible outcome for your case. 

Request a free case consultation with one of the top criminal defense attorneys in St. Petersburg, or call our office today at (727) 493-9386.