Caught Shoplifting at Target

**freakingout** · 09-05-2005, 03:20 PM

I was at Target a couple days ago. I was looking at some toys I collect that come 3 in a box. Some of the boxes were open, and i looked through them to find what I needed. I put more than three figures in the box though, and they detained me when i paid for the box. Each box is about $7, and it was just plain stupid of me to do. I cooperated as much as possible, to which the officer thanked me for. The officer wrote me a ticket and my court date is set for a week from now. He said that this would be a slap on the wrist since I have no prior record and this is my first offense.

I shop at numerous places, including other Targets looking for toys. Most of the time these figures will be lying about loose, with boxes torn up and open, and in the past I have put figures in boxes so I could buy them. My question is will they look at security footage from other stores to try and pin something else on me? Or can they only charge me for that one store?

I am 23, and an aspiring teacher. I can't afford to have a stupid mistake like this ruin my life. Is getting a lawyer my best option?

**aaron** · 09-05-2005, 03:26 PM

Quoting freakingout

My question is will they look at security footage from other stores to try and pin something else on me? Or can they only charge me for that one store?

They don't have the manpower to track down and examine video footage from multiple stores, so it is extraordinarily unlikely that they would do that.

Quoting freakingout

I am 23, and an aspiring teacher. I can't afford to have a stupid mistake like this ruin my life. Is getting a lawyer my best option?

In my opinion, you should at least consult a lawyer about possible diversion programs or the possibility of a delayed sentence, or anything else which may keep you from getting a conviction.

If this is becoming a compulsion on your part, you should also consider getting some counseling.

**freakingout** · 09-05-2005, 06:19 PM

I just consulted with a lawyer and his fee is $3500. That seems a bit much to try and get a diversion.

**aaron** · 09-06-2005, 09:50 AM

The costs and benefits of hiring a lawyer are for you to determine. You may wish to consider, though, that other lawyers may request a different retainer.

**freakingout** · 09-12-2005, 11:33 PM

So I just had my arraignment, and was not offered any kind of diversion yet.

I visited another lawyer and he said he charges about $2500 for misdemeanor cases. I just don't get it???