Episode 11: Big Box Retailers and Prosecutors Team Up to Crackdown on Petty Crime

Shoplifting is traditionally seen as a petty crime unworthy of serious punishment, much less prison time. But under an increasingly popular theory of crime, DA's––with the help of retail lobbyists––are throwing the book at people for stealing as little as $39 worth of goods, claiming they burgled a public store. Our guest, Appeal contributor Jessica Pishko, discusses this punitive trend and what public defenders are doing to push back.