I Am Being Accused of Theft from a Store

[JoshMaster]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

I got a phone call from local PD asking me if I have been to certain store about a week or two ago. Why did they wait this long? if the theft did occur this long ago.
I go to stores all the time so I said I might have I dont remember. I was asked if I tried on specific clothes. I always try on clothes when I go to store but I dont remember trying on something specific. Officer told me that he had someone accusing me directly of stealing. That person must be lying or misunderstanding. Then officer ask me if I can come down to station when he find more evidence. I dont think the store even has cameras. Do I have to go to the station? Should I get an attorney? if so how much does it cost to get an attorney for cases like this? If they cannot prove me guilty can I ask them to pay for lawyers fees?

I am not sure how they found my information and accusing me when I have nothing to do with this. How did they find my information?

Officer also said: "what if we have evidence showing that you stole the item, what would you say to that?" I am not sure what is going on here. I am being falsely accused of stealing. Is he just trying to trick me into say something that can be used against me?

I already have medical issues that I am dealing with so I just dont want to deal with it.

[Mr. Knowitall]

We're not psychics. We don't know how the police obtained information about you or what they have. We don't have any information about why it would have taken them a week or two to contact you. Your guesses are as good as ours.

If they in fact have you on video in the store on the date at issue, denying being there is only going to convince them that you're a thief.

You know much better than us if you are a thief or not. If you're a thief, it would make sense to lawyer up as it seems like your past is catching up with you. If you're not, it still wouldn't hurt to consult a lawyer. When you contact a lawyer you can inquire about the lawyer's fees.

[JoshMaster]

As I said in my post "falsely accused". I didn't take anything. I have never got in trouble with law before. I am a full time student with good academic standing. I understand that doesn't prove anything but I am not a thief.

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Is it true that I cannot be charged if they didn't stop me at the time and recovered the item from me? So far it sounds like someone is falsely accusing me.

[Security Consultant]

Is it true that I cannot be charged if they didn't stop me at the time and recovered the item from me? No, that is not true.

So far it sounds like someone is falsely accusing me. So far? Either they are or they are not.

[PTPD22]

I got a phone call from local PD asking me if I have been to certain store about a week or two ago. Why did they wait this long? if the theft did occur this long ago.

Any number of reasons. Maybe it took them a couple of weeks to identify you. Maybe the cops has been trying to contact you for those whole two weeks but, since you "go to stores all the time," he/she never got a hold of you and didn't leave a message. Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter. The cops have until the statute of limitations runs out to continue to investigate a crime.

Do I have to go to the station?

If you are not under arrest, you don't have to go anywhere. You are free to refuse to go to the station, answer any questions, or make any statements.

Should I get an attorney?

At this point, you probably don't need an attorney. If you are arrested or the cops claim to have any substantial evidence, you might want to think about a lawyer then.

if so how much does it cost to get an attorney for cases like this?

That's between you and your lawyer.

If they cannot prove me guilty can I ask them to pay for lawyers fees?

No.

I am not sure how they found my information and accusing me when I have nothing to do with this. How did they find my information?

They are cops...they investigate and detect. There are a variety of way that they could possibly have ID'd you.

Is he just trying to trick me into say something that can be used against me?

It is possible that he is trying to bluff you into making an incriminating statement. Or, he might actually have evidence and is giving you a chance to "come clean." Nobody except the cop can answer that.

Is it true that I cannot be charged if they didn't stop me at the time and recovered the item from me?

No, it's not true. If there is evidence amounting to probable cause, you can be charged.