Picture yourself visiting
the nearby mall and simply go around checking out all the shops.
However, after leaving one store, mall security or store personnel
suddenly flag you down and claim you took some merchandise. Any
person will see that it is humiliating to be accused of shoplifting –
even celebrities like Forest Whitaker found it out the hard way. If
you ever find yourself accused of shoplifting, an experienced
criminal defense attorney is ready to protect you.
Probable Cause
Establishing probable cause
is one of the defining elements in a shoplifting case. For the case
to supposedly stick, the store personnel must actually see you
holding the item and make for the exit without paying. You can also
take note of them threatening to call the police if you’re caught.
Be aware that some retailers or malls have no right to keep you in a
small room, but may keep tabs on you to prevent you from leaving the
property.
Settling?
Keep quiet until your lawyer
arrives. If the authorities claim that there were witnesses who
supposedly saw you pocket an item, you or your lawyer can question
their suitability for probable cause. You may request to be shown the
evidence. However, at all times, remember that the best thing you can
do is cooperate. Doing otherwise will only incriminate you further.
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