Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft First time shoplifting offense in MD

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

stupidgirl

New Member
I was caught shoplifting and charged with a misdemeanor for 300/under. I was released after being processed since this was my first time ever getting into trouble. This was 2 months ago, I have not shoplifted since and will never again. The reason I did it was because I thought I could get away with it, how stupid. Here's the stupidest thing, I'm over 40 years old. At the time the manager said he was watching me because he had me on tape shoplifting another time. Sure enough, I got a criminal summons in the mail. I've already hired a lawyer for the first offense, the one where I was actually caught. What should I do about the criminal summons? I'm on tape but not the whole time. The items could have been put back. I feel like the biggest sleezeball loser and have no intention to ever do this again. I'm mortified I've embarassed my family like this. I can't believe I did this. My lawyer says I should hire him again (another 1500 bucks) to go with me to my criminal summons (the item was 299.00 dollars I'm accussed of taking) Do you have any idea what's going to happen to me? What do I do at my criminal summons? Do I admit it? DO I fight it? I'm kind of running out of money for lawyers especially since I expect to be paying some hefty fines. Another reason I don't want to hire a lawyer for the criminal summons is because right now it's scheduled for 2 days after my court date. My lawyer says if I hire him, my criminal summons date will be pushed back a couple months and I actually don't want that. I want this to be over, let me do what the judge tells me so I can move on. I can't sleep or seem to get enough air into my lungs! I know I should have thought of this before. I'm stupid for doing what I did but not so stupid as to EVER do it again. I'm hoping to get another chance. What do you think? I live in Maryland, Prince Georges county. Thank you for your advice.
 
We'll, I'm not sure. When the manager had me arrested he said he had me on tape placing an item worth 299.00 in my bag the month before and he'd been waiting for me to come back so I could be arrested. I was arrested with under 300 worth of stuff and he told me that he would also be filing charges for the thing from the month before. Since I wasn't caught with anything, is he able to prove it? the document that came in the mail says Criminal summons on charging document...You are summoned and commanded to appear for Preliminary Inquiry in this court on ...to answer the charge lodged against you in the charging document attached hereto. It's followed by a description saying he has me on tape a month prior to my actual arrest shoplifting this item. He went to the sheriff's office to file this and he did it about a month after I was arrested. My lawyer says not to worry too much about this, it's a good thing for the date to be pushed back, and right now just concentrate on my actual arrest case. When I went to the sheriff's office to pick up the document, I was told I wasn't charged with anything yet and by accepting the documents didn't mean I was guilty. So I'll go to the hearing and then what? Will the guy charging me show the tape where I'm putting it in my bag? I am so confused. Do you think I should bring a lawyer? I am so afraid I'll go to jail. This is my first time being in trouble and it will be my last. I just want to put this behind me and not string it out, or is that not the way to go?
 
my attorney told me that the video's do not follow you around the entire time you are in a store, so the item could have been put back. I hear what you're saying though, so given my situation, AM I being charged a second time, how will this affect possible jail time, does this case have anything to do with the first one? Do you think I need a lawyer for the criminal summons?
 
Your attorney is right if they do not have continous video of you they have nothing. However you should always follow your Attorney's advice
 
please, I'm just trying to get an opinion on how much trouble I am in. Will I go to jail? He say's I should hire him to represent me for the criminal summons. I thought it would be considered the same case but hey, I'm in no position to argue. Is there a good reason to have my criminal summons date made later? Would it be stupid to have my lawyer represent me for the actual arrest in court and two days later go to the sheriff's office on my own? I don't care about fines, I'll pay whatever they want, do whatever they want, but I just want to be able to walk out the door and come home when I'm done. I know you have no crystal ball, but based on your experience, and my lack of it, I was hoping you would have heard of cases like mine and after it was all said and done, how did it turn out. It's all I can think about. I'm looking for someone to paint me a realistic picture. Thank you for trying to answer my questions.
 
stupidgirl said:
my attorney told me that the video's do not follow you around the entire time you are in a store, so the item could have been put back. I hear what you're saying though, so given my situation, AM I being charged a second time, how will this affect possible jail time, does this case have anything to do with the first one? Do you think I need a lawyer for the criminal summons?
Click to expand...

Some do, I have videos (had one today) where I followed the shoplifter from entrance to exit completely, so your attourney is wrong on that count.
 
To the Grumpy LPA of RTA - I have seen videos of continuous surveillance too..sometimes LPA's don't make the stop.

To the OP - were you charged in Prince Georges County?
 
True, but sometimes camera systems are good enough to cover everything or the managers are trained on them so they can make stops, her Lawyer telling here there isn't "continuous surveillance" without seeing the video is just speculation.
 
Got to agree with SDV on this one. Unless the Attorney has seen video he has no clue if they have unbroken observation or not
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Share this page

Get a free case review from a lawyer
Back
Top