Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Questioned after stealing at store and caught on security cameras

[Sara Madden]

Jurisdiction

California

The Police just paid me a visit at my home to ask me questions regarding "possible theft". A store I had visited back in July of this year had me on Camera leaving their store with $600 worth of merchandise without paying for it. Had my picture, car plate information, etc. I told the police I did not steal anything and that I paid for everything. I asked him what happens now and he said he has to present the report to the D.A. and it goes from there. Am I going to go to jail??? Is there anyway to fight this case and win?

 

[army judge]

The Police just paid me a visit at my home to ask me questions regarding "possible theft". A store I had visited back in July of this year had me on Camera leaving their store with $600 worth of merchandise without paying for it. Had my picture, car plate information, etc. I told the police I did not steal anything and that I paid for everything. I asked him what happens now and he said he has to present the report to the D.A. and it goes from there. Am I going to go to jail??? Is there anyway to fight this case and win?

Never ever voluntarily answer questions put to you by the police, or anyone for that matter.
You have the right to remain silent.
By answering questions, even a slight misstatement can make more trouble for you.
No one, I repeat no one, ever talks his or her way out of an arrest or prosecution.

What will happen next?

You'll probably be charged, and if you are, don't blab.

You simply say, "I invoke my right to remain silent. I want a lawyer."
Then say nothing more about the case or charges.
Its okay to give your name, address, etc... and cooperate with the booking process.

 

[shrinkmaster]

I am a Retail theft consultant and answer questions like yours daily. You need to consult a lawyer and give that person all the details of the event only this person can tell you if you have a decent case you "could" win

 

[Betty3]

I assume you no longer have your receipt. Did you pay for the $600.00 of merchandise in cash & not by a check or credit card which might give you proof of payment? I agree you need to speak with a lawyer.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Unless you're actually confronted with a problem, you don't actually need an attorney. What this does mean is that you should have the number of an attorney in your mobile phone just in case the police do return to arrest you. Let's assume for the moment that you didn't shoplift anything. If that is the case, then you shouldn't have any problem, especially if you have a receipt or a paper trail of some kind. Most people don't pay $600 in cash and a credit card statement or canceled check (a copy of which may appear in your bank statements) should suffice and put this shoplifting case to rest. But by the way you're speaking, I'm guessing that perhaps you do have reason to be concerned. As such, you should prepare both for the possibility of a criminal case as well as a civil demand. You may want to read this article on what a civil demand letter constitutes.