Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft steffieb

[guestpost]

I was stopped leaving Wal-Mart about two weeks ago by a Loss Protection officer who told me he thought I had stolen something and that I had to go with him. I told him he was crazy, left the purchases I had made and left. About a week later a Detective stopped by my house while I was not home. She spoke to my 11-year-old son, left her card and asked me to call her. I did and she said she needed to speak with me about an "incident" that took place at Wal-Mart and we set up a date and time to "discuss" the matter. I need to know if I should attend this meeting with an attorney and if I will be arrested if I go to this meeting without representation.

 

[Betty3]

You might want to talk to an attorney about this "incident" before the meeting.

 

[shrinkmaster]

I deal with retail theft issues as a living so please listen to my advice. do not talk to any Police officers without a Lawyer present! In short deny to talk to them. If the store (you should not have named publically) had any evidence they would have had you arrested already most likely. If you did not steal anything there wont likely be any evidence. Politely decline any offers to talk by Police and in mean time talk to an Attorney on what you should and should not do if Police actually take you in or confront you at home.

 

[mightymoose]

You are best off to not call the officer and do not attend any meeting. Don't return phone calls and don't for any reason attempt to explain yourself.
If they come to your house don't answer the door. If they contact you anywhere else simply excuse yourself and leave.
You have no obligation whatsoever to speak with the police.
I wouldn't bother with an attorney at this point. It does sound like you got caught swiping something, but until you are arrested or cited for an offense just keep quiet- then it will be time to talk to an attorney.