Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Petit Theft at Publix in Naples, Florida

[guestposter]

I was recently in Naples, Florida for a 4 night stay for my 15th Wedding Anniversary. I took a trip to Publix to get food and items for our stay at Naples Palm Bay Resort. I entered publix and get a few grocery items. Last, I went to the Beauty Aisle. I always put these items in the front basket because they small, etc. I picked up a facial cream, lip gloss, eyeliner, etc. I proceed to the aisle to checkout (forgot to mention earlier, a man in 40's seemed to be at every turn I was...didn't think anything of it at the time other than he was trying to flirt, etc. My husband and 2 daughters are in the car. He calls to see what is taking so long and I told him I was checking out. I then began to hurry, I went through the checkout lane and paid for everything beside the items in the front basket which were on top of my purse or beside my purse.

The undercover shopper...followed me out of the store and asked me to return to the store. I proceeded to the Publix office. There he had me take out everything I put in the front basket by purse, on top of my purse, etc. The total of the items was 42.00. I was arrested in Collier County. I was charged with Petit Theft. This is my first offense EVER. My record is clean up until now. This happened on July 13, 2012. I spent 7 hrs in jail until my husband bonded me out. I now have appear in court for arraignment on Aug. 8th 2012.

Any advice...lawyers? What is the possibility of them throwing out the charge? I am a school teacher now for 15 years with a great reputation and wouldn't want this to affect my career.
????????

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I'd hire an attorney. If you have a number of items you forgot to pay for, I don't know whether anyone will believe that this was an honest mistake as a result of being hurried. I don't know how these items somehow got into your shopping bag either. It's unclear. I would think that an attorney is a prudent choice since you have a clean record and it's possible that you may be able to get the charge dismissed or even have a plea entered where no violations over a period of time would result in the charges being dismissed, leaving you with a clean record. You can read more about alternative sentencing. Best of luck to you.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Most "real" shoplifters (not saying you are) use the "I forgot" defense. it wont work and if you had several items its even less. You do not want to use this as your defense you will be laughed out of court and possible face stiffer sentence for insulting court. Yes you need an Attorney! Many offer free consultations so get as many as you can. When you meet with these Attorneys ask about optionslike ACD or Diversion to protect your clean record. You can of course fight charge but this will cost you a few thousand dollars in Attorney fees verus around $500.00 in court fines for plea deal. Its up to you. You will also likely see a letter in mail from the stores Attorneys its called Civil Demand. You can read more on this here http://www.thelaw.com/guide/lawsuit/civil-recovery-demand-letters-for-shoplifting/