Comment by nobody9999

That depends on relevant state laws. Perhaps Alabama wasn't the best example.

Regardless, as I said, organized shoplifting rings are mostly addressed by other laws (related to criminal conspiracy and other criminal enterprise laws) which do carry felony penalties.

If someone goes into Walmart three times a week and steals bread milk or eggs they should be charged with a felony and be sent to prison? Really? Shall we imprison those who sleep on the street too? How about speeders? Litterbugs? Jaywalkers? But we don't have enough prisons for that do we? Which leaves what? Summary execution?

As Anatole France[0] observed[1]:

“The law, in its majestic equality, forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal their bread.”

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatole_France

[1] https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/361132-the-law-in-its-majes...