Why courts order an anti-theft class
After a shoplifting, retail fraud or other theft charge, a judge, prosecutor or probation officer may require a theft awareness class as part of probation, a diversion agreement or a plea deal. The class looks at what led to the offense and how to make a different choice next time. Your paperwork sets the number of hours, and sometimes a deadline.
The class goes by several names: anti-theft class, theft awareness class, theft prevention course, shoplifting class or retail theft program. They usually describe the same kind of education program. If your paperwork names a specific program or provider, ask your probation officer before you book anything else.
What the class covers
- How theft affects store employees, businesses and communities
- Decision-making and impulse control in the moment
- Stress and emotional triggers that can lead to theft
- Personal accountability, and repairing harm through restitution
- The legal consequences of a theft conviction, now and later
- Practical strategies for changing the behavior
How many hours, and what it costs
Book exactly the number of hours on your paperwork. Prices for the theft awareness class:
- 4 hours: $100
- 8 hours: $175
- 12 hours: $250
- 16 hours: $325
Not sure how many hours you need? Ask your probation officer, or call us at (734) 834-6934 before you book.
What a live online class is like
Every class is live on Zoom and led by Jennifer Schroeder, M.S., CADC. You join from home with a camera, take part in the discussion, and your attendance is checked during class, so the hours you complete are documented. You pick your first class when you book, and schedule any remaining classes from your client portal.
Proof for your probation officer
The moment your booking is paid, we email you a Proof of Enrollment letter showing your program, your required hours and your first class date. A copy is saved under Documents in your client portal, so you can give it to your probation officer right away.
Your signed letter of completion is emailed to you the day you finish your required hours. It lists your hours and completion date, and it carries a certificate ID that anyone, including your probation officer, can check at schroedercounseling.com/verify.
Before you book
Your court or probation department decides which classes it accepts. Check your order for the number of hours and any provider requirement, and ask your probation officer or attorney whether a live online class is allowed. Our guide to what courts require from an online theft class lists the questions worth asking.
If your court or probation department does not accept the certificate we issued for your class, we refund your payment in full. Contact us within 30 calendar days of your completion date and include written documentation from the court or probation department. See our guarantee for details.