Ignored Store's Alarm Buzzer and Left the Premises

[daveangelo]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Minnesota
I walked out of the store at the same time with a bunch of people and the detector went off. I didn't stop, went straight to my car and drove off but one of the employee already recorded my plate number. Would they be able to come after me? if so, how can I prepare for it? please help!!!

[LawResearcherMissy]

So...are you saying you shoplifted, and bolted?

If you did, the store has a year to press charges. You'd do well to stay out of that store, lest you be recognized and detained.

[daveangelo]

thanks. If they press charges, what do they have against me?

[LawResearcherMissy]

Theft.

More specifically, I couldn't say, as I don't know what you did, exactly, or what they saw.

[daveangelo]

I KNOW they did not have any cameras. It would based solely from the witnesses and I donnot know what these people saw. It will be boiled down to their words vs mine. should I retain a lawyer right now?

[TheArgumentative]

Did you actually steal anything?

If the detector went off because one of the other people leaving had stolen something, then you shouldn't hire a lawyer unless you're actually charged or sued.

If you did steal something and caused the detector to go off yourself, then they can track you based on your license plate, yes. The may send you a civil demand, and you may get a summons to appear in court to face criminal charges. It still wouldn't do any good to hire a lawyer if neither of those things happen, though.

[daveangelo]

thank you TheArgumentative.

[daveangelo]

btw, somehow my thread title was changed. I DIDNOT put "shoplifting in Minnesota" as the title of this thread. It should be "license plate recorded when buzzer went off" how can I change it back?

[LawResearcherMissy]

I KNOW they did not have any cameras. It would based solely from the witnesses and I donnot know what these people saw. It will be boiled down to their words vs mine. should I retain a lawyer right now?

Unless you're charged with something, you've no need to retain counsel.

Again, stay out of that store. You might think you "know" that they have no cameras. You might find yourself unpleasantly surprised.