Willful Concealment Charge
My question involves criminal law for the state of: I was recently "caught" shoplifting and have been charged with willful concealment for $129 at a clothing store. I have NEVER been arrested or anything of the sorts. What can I expect? Is it worth pleading not guilty in hopes of getting the charged lowered or diminished? The store does not have footage of me actually putting things in a bag. they had suspicions and stopped me at the door. Then they looked inside my bag. What kind of punishment can I expect?
Re: Willful Concealment Charge
Re: Willful Concealment Charge
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Quoting
Security Consultant
In what state?
New Hampshire
Re: Willful Concealment Charge
They may have footage of you that you don't realize. For example, if you concealed the items while in a fitting room...they would have footage of you entering the fitting room area with the items in your hands, and exiting the fitting room area without them.
There would also be witness reports and testimony from the Loss Prevention people who surveilled and apprehended you.
If you can afford a lawyer, it is a good idea. If not, plead not guilty and ask for a public defender.
Expect everything to run $2000 or more in the end. Don't forget, the store or its lawyers will be sending a Civil Demand notice to be paid, this is separate from the Criminal case.
Re: Willful Concealment Charge
Quote:
Quoting
trishadsh
My question involves criminal law for the state of: I was recently "caught" shoplifting and have been charged with willful concealment for $129 at a clothing store. I have NEVER been arrested or anything of the sorts. What can I expect? Is it worth pleading not guilty in hopes of getting the charged lowered or diminished? The store does not have footage of me actually putting things in a bag. they had suspicions and stopped me at the door. Then they looked inside my bag. What kind of punishment can I expect?
The store does not need video footage. It's clear they had reasonable cause to stop you and look in the bag, thus finding the merchandise you stole. The amount you stated is a misdemeanor and you can expect a Civil Demand from the retailer in the amount of $200.00.