I was accused of shoplifting at a Store name in Georgia. I had gotten to the register after picking a few items I had in my hand, large water and milk. I also had power bars in my jacket pocket. As I was at the register the thought in my mind was I didn't get everything and didn't put the power bars on the belt for scanning because they crushed the hell out of them last time, which was why I was back at the store purchasing them. So I paid for the water and milk and was heading to grab a cart to finish shopping when a manager stopped me before I got out the first set of doors ,to get a cart. He asked me about the power bars and I said I am not done shopping yet. He mentioned calling the police so I took the items out of my jacket and said "I'm leaving". We was a big guy 300 lbs and I'm about 150. He tackled me to the ground and talked about of crap and bashed my head into the concrete. The cops got there and arrested me. The problem I am worrying about is the whole act was not on video tape according to the police report and the manager said he confronted me outside of the store, which is not true. I cannot afford a lawyer at this point and am wondering what I should do for my arraignment. I am already on first offender drug probation that started two weeks after this incident. Any suggestions?
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Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifting Charge in Georgia
- Thread Starter JD12367
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thelawjournal
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For your protection the store name was removed from your post.
You need to talk to a Lawyer you risk violating your probation and seeing it revoked. It will be hard to defend why you had bars in your pocket and had already went through checkstand. By the way most stores do have video your Lawyer might look into that.
You need to talk to a Lawyer you risk violating your probation and seeing it revoked. It will be hard to defend why you had bars in your pocket and had already went through checkstand. By the way most stores do have video your Lawyer might look into that.
The story seems fishy. But I will take it at face value.
OP, the LP report will most likely read like this.
Come up with a better excuse than the belt crushes them. Come on. Also the store may or may not have video and most grocery stores have still, non movable cameras which will not show the theft on video.
Get a good attorney.
OP, the LP report will most likely read like this.
Subject entered the store and proceeded to the powerbar aisle where subject selected "X" number of powerbars and concealed the in subjects front right pocket. Subject proceeded to shop for a few items and went to an open and operating cash register where the subject purchased a few items but made no attempt to purchase the powerbars located in his front right pocket. Subject then proceeded towards the exit never once making any attempt to pay for or purchase the powerbars and began to exit the store with the unpaid for merchandise. Subject became combative and was restrained.
Come up with a better excuse than the belt crushes them. Come on. Also the store may or may not have video and most grocery stores have still, non movable cameras which will not show the theft on video.
Get a good attorney.
You need to talk to a Lawyer you risk violating your probation and seeing it revoked.
How would I be in violation when the crime happened before my probation began? And to correct myself I didn't mean I had them in my pocket because the belt would crush them. They bagged them last time and crushed them after I specifically asked to have separate bags.
thelawjournal
New Member
Ok this is not meant to be rude or offensive. We are here to help you not judge you. If you stole you stole lets get past that and get you your answers. Your story now has changed. We dont care we are here to help. If you want our help then you need to provide us with the "real" story. We will not judge you even if your action was delibrate. Our purpose here is to help not judge. So can you please give us the "real" version of what happened? Even without accurate details we can safely say you will need to seek legal advice from a Lawyer in your area. Ask that Lawyer if diversion is option in your case
The story is the same. I realized in my post that I inadequately stated about putting them on the belt because they smashed them, when at the time the thought that cane to mind was "I have a gallon of milk and water, they are going to smash them when they are being bagged like last time." I understand the story seems ridiculous but that is how it went down. I have no need to shoplift especially in my situation. I know this could have been avoided. I know I should consult with an attorney but the arraignment is two weeks from yesterday. Can I show up and plea not guilty then retain council before the court date? And I fear that it is really the manager's word against mine, because I was not outside of the store and I intended to pay for the stuff. How can it be considered shoplifting if you are still in the store?
thelawjournal
New Member
You are guilty of shoplifting as GA statutes reads. Note the portion of statute in bold
16-8-14
(a) A person commits the offense of theft by shoplifting when he alone or in concert with another person, with the intent of appropriating merchandise to his own use without paying for the same or to deprive the owner of possession thereof or of the value thereof, in whole or in part, does any of the following:
(1) Conceals or takes possession of the goods or merchandise of any store or retail establishment;
16-8-14
(a) A person commits the offense of theft by shoplifting when he alone or in concert with another person, with the intent of appropriating merchandise to his own use without paying for the same or to deprive the owner of possession thereof or of the value thereof, in whole or in part, does any of the following:
(1) Conceals or takes possession of the goods or merchandise of any store or retail establishment;
thelawjournal
New Member
Most attorneys offer "free" consultations. I suggest you get as many as possible. This way you will have some knowledge. Then if you do not hire any of these Attorneys you can plead not guilty and request Public Defender. Then take what you learned from consultations to Public defender and discuss your options. One such option might be diversion
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