Circumstantial Shoplifting Misunderstanding in Kansas

[summergirl]

Hello everyone -
I found this forum in hope that someone can assist me with an incredibly stressful situation that I've unfortunately found myself in.

I am a straight-A medical student with a clean record here in Kansas, and several weeks ago, was shopping for a formal dress for the annual medical school ball. I came to a boutique one evening, and tried a few on. Only one woman was working, and there were no other customers. I came out of the dressing room and told her that none of the dresses looked quite right on me. We talked for several minutes, after which she offered to take down my information so that she could contact me if they got any new stock in. I agreed, and gave her my permanent address (my parents' house is only half an hour away), my cell phone, and my email.

I never heard from her, but to my horror, a detective knocked on my parents' door yesterday to tell them that someone has filed a report against me for shoplifting a $300 dress. The store clerk says that I took four dresses in and when she went into the room, only three were left. I have absolutely no recollection of even trying on the aforementioned dress (as it is tacky and completely not my style, if you saw my dress collection).

I was happy to assist the officer in his investigation because understandably, I would like the case closed as soon as possible. I came to the police today and talked with the detective, who brought me to tears trying to pressure me into a confession. He threatened to dig deeper and get evidence against me if I didn't confess and return it. I offered to let him come to my apartment, my parents' house, gave him my roommate's phone number, anything to show how willing I was to cooperate. He says the woman will undoubtedly press charges.

The officer has scared me to death. I believe the store does not employ video surveillance but even if they had, there would be nothing incriminating. Besides, what kind of thief purposely leaves their REAL information with the woman they just stole from? What kind of thief stays around for friendly chat?

I guess my question is, how serious is my situation? Any flaw on my record could have devastating consequences on my future in medicine. My family has been turned completely upside down as we have no idea what to expect. We don't know if this detective is out to get us, or if this woman even has a case against me without any direct evidence. I cannot afford a quality lawyer, and am wondering whether I will need one for this case, or whether it will even go to court, simply based on circumstantial evidence.

I really appreciate you reading this long post, but any advice is welcome. Thank you again.

[reasonnotrules]

I would think that if she has no evidence whatsoever that you stole that dress, she wouldn't be able to file charges.

According to what you said, there's no camera footage. She obviously did not see you in the alleged act of theft since she let you walk out the door.

I'm really sorry this happened.

[panther10758]

I will not say if your story is true or not as there is much in your version that makes no sense. However have you been charged? If not then you have little to worry about. If your story is accurate no charges will be filed for lack of evidence. If you have left out something or hav misled us I would advise you find a criminal defense Attorney as soon as you can

[seniorjudge]

I will not say if your story is true or not as there is much in your version that makes no sense. However have you been charged? If not then you have little to worry about. If your story is accurate no charges will be filed for lack of evidence. If you have left out something or hav misled us I would advise you find a criminal defense Attorney as soon as you can

Just a note: there is no evidence, not "circumstantial evidence." Circumstantial evidence can send you to the death chamber.

[panther10758]

Just a note: there is no evidence, not "circumstantial evidence." Circumstantial evidence can send you to the death chamber.

Agreed and another good reason to seek legal advice from a qualified Attorney

[summergirl]

I'm not certain what in my story does not make sense, but I will be happy to clarify anything that is unclear. I, of course, have no legal background but from my research on the subject I assumed that my being in the wrong place at the wrong time qualified as circumstantial evidence in this case. It will only be in my benefit if I am mistaken.

The detective said that since I admitted to being the last person in the store that day, I would almost definitely have charges pressed. From what I've read, if they had any definite incriminating evidence, I would have been arrested, but I have not. The only thing I can think of is a surveillance video (which will show me standing right in front of the store clerk after leaving the dressing room, talking with her, and giving her my real contact information... all things that hopefully anybody can recognize a thief wouldn't do!).

How far will this detective's "digging" go into my personal life? I gave him my roommate's number but asked him only to call if it was absolutely necessary, since nobody wants to get a call from the police saying the person they live with could be a criminal. I understand if he has to, but I would really prefer not to have my hard-earned reputation as an honest person and good student tarnished.

I can't afford to hire a high-powered attorney but the detective said he may ask me to come back for another "interview" in which case I may just ask to have a public lawyer assigned to me. Will that be enough or would any of you say there is enough doubt here for me to require more extensive services?

[seniorjudge]

If you're guilty, tell the cops you will not talk to them anymore till they charge you and then you will get a public defender and they can talk to him.

[summergirl]

That sounds good, except.. I'm not guilty. There can be no proof otherwise (unless you're counting the word of a store clerk who misplaced a dress), because it didn't happen. I keep trying to tell myself I have nothing to be afraid of but my question is whether anything in this case merits enough doubt to necessitate me getting a lawyer before a second interview, or if this will be enough for them to press charges.

[jturner901]

According to the facts as you have told them to us, there will not be any charges. There is no evidence whatsoever to say that you stole the dress. The police will need some evidence to proceed with charges. By the way, the "detectives" in your town must be bored if they are pursuing you for an alleged $300 theft. That's a uniform patrol investigation in my city. Your town needs some real crime!

All the best!

Jay

[panther10758]

Clerk will state four dresses went in and only three came out after you left. That is evidence againist you. Now clerek has no reason to lie and you do. I am not saying you took dress! Now lets look at your version:

Hello everyone -
I found this forum in hope that someone can assist me with an incredibly stressful situation that I've unfortunately found myself in.

I am a straight-A medical student with a clean record here in Kansas,This means nothing! and several weeks ago, was shopping for a formal dress for the annual medical school ball. I came to a boutique one evening, and tried a few on. Only one woman was working, and there were no other customers.No other possible thiefs does not work well in your favor I came out of the dressing room and told her that none of the dresses looked quite right on me. We talked for several minutes, after which she offered to take down my information so that she could contact me if they got any new stock in.At this point I am alrfeady guessing she has checked fitting room an dknows or think she knows you took dress I agreed, and gave her my permanent address (my parents' house is only half an hour away), my cell phone, and my email.Which sh eused to report theft

I never heard from her, but to my horror, a detective knocked on my parents' door yesterday to tell them that someone has filed a report against me for shoplifting a $300 dress. The store clerk says that I took four dresses in and when she went into the room, only three were left. I have absolutely no recollection of even trying on the aforementioned dress (as it is tacky and completely not my style, if you saw my dress collection). 4 went in and only three remained that works againist you as well

I was happy to assist the officer in his investigation because understandably, I would like the case closed as soon as possible. I came to the police today and talked with the detective, who brought me to tears trying to pressure me into a confession. He threatened to dig deeper and get evidence against me if I didn't confess and return it. I offered to let him come to my apartment, my parents' house, gave him my roommate's phone number, anything to show how willing I was to cooperate. He says the woman will undoubtedly press charges.Which is their legal right

The officer has scared me to death. I believe the store does not employ video surveillance but even if they had, there would be nothing incriminating. If they do that works in your favor.Besides, what kind of thief purposely leaves their REAL information with the woman they just stole from? What kind of thief stays around for friendly chat?Many do as a ploy

I guess my question is, how serious is my situation?Your facing misdemeanor charges its serious Any flaw on my record could have devastating consequences on my future in medicine.Yes it could My family has been turned completely upside down as we have no idea what to expect. We don't know if this detective is out to get us, or if this woman even has a case against me without any direct evidence.People have been convicted with less I cannot afford a quality lawyer,Can yo afford a criminal record? and am wondering whether I will need one for this case,Yes or whether it will even go to court, simply based on circumstantial evidence.It can

I really appreciate you reading this long post, but any advice is welcome. Thank you again.

Many Attorneys will grant an intial free consultation I suggest you take him/her up on it