Accusation of Shoplifting from Target

Pandora.

Can you go into a little more detail on your case? How often you shoplifted, what you shoplifted and what happened to you the day you were caught? I think you generally offer good advice but a lot of the volunteers here need to explain the reasons behind the simple instructions they give. Why get a lawyer? Why pay the fine? Why stay out of he store? The obvious isn't so obvious and common sense isn't so common.

Keep up the good work.

I agree with bam! What is your story pandora? and I have read all your threads and advices and I saw that most of your advice were wrong!

And nobody asking you here for your judgement anyway!!!!! you keep telling people 'get your lesson' Again I DO ACCEPT ALL YOUR ACCUSATIONS, I do not want to argue with you and nicely please do not give me any advice or comment!

So anyone had experience like mine can tell me what was their story and what they got charged? And this is First Offense, will they give me jail time?

Um I think Pandora is generally right. problem is the delivery and lack of explanation. but that is who Pandora is.

sometimes you need to hear the truth. sometimes you need to know the reason behind the truth.

what specifically are you looking to have answered?

My story:

I shoplifted one time and was caught. It was a dress on sale for $32, but regularly $64. I hid it under my existing clothes.
LP caught me in the parking lot, and took me to their office. They also called police.

Truthfully (in court, I did not use my real reason - I just said I wanted the dress...truthfully, it was not even something I would normally wear). Real reason is: I did it because I wanted out of living with my Grandmother and being her CareGiver. She was always saying "If you get into any trouble, you're outta here"....so....I thought that would be enough trouble to make her kick me out...I just didn't realize that it would look so bad on criminal background checks and job applications.

I retained a lawyer ($1500). As it was my first offense, the prosecutor and my lawyer worked out a plea deal, so I plead guilty to Disorderly Person. I was given $303 (something like that) in court costs and fines. And $250 Civil Demand from the store.

I was also banned from Kohl's. After 9 months or so, I wrote the corporate office, attn Loss Prevention, and was sent a letter stating I could shop in the stores again. To this day, I keep the letter in my car just in case that LP questions my right to be there.

When you get banned from a store, yes, they can have you arrested for CRIMINAL TRESPASS if you violate the trespass ban (it varies by store...WalMart may tell you stay out of Sams Club also. Some stores will say just the location you were at; others it applies to all stores in the chain - read that form carefully).

I'll try to go into better details in future posts. I know we have those stickied threads, but I guess people do not read them.

A lawyer is recommended because well...they are trained professionals. They know the laws. They know the prosecutor and judge. You wouldn't perform a root canal on yourself, would you? So why not hire a professional who can advise you of your rights, and help you?

Even if a person is guilty, it is your right to have the state prove their case in front of a jury. This is also where the prosecutor and your lawyer sit down and talk and make a deal to a lesser charge/punishment.

If you plead guilty....there are sentencing guidelines that a judge has to follow. And you'll find yourself getting a much harsher punishment than if a deal was worked out.

Also...I asked my lawyer about the Civil Demand. He advised me to pay it. And also had me bring proof of payment to court to present to the judge, in a manilla folder. This showed the judge I was trying to make things right, and taking responsibility for my actions.

From the beginning of my thread I am saying the same thing that even(and I know) I AM innocent, after all those research I understood that I m in trouble! I had already contacted the attorney and I would like to know here, what others experiences.

Once again, even you could tell me I was Right Or Guilty for sure the court will make that decision, right?

Pandora has different experience than others. I have read the others' posts; some say 'I did not plea "guilty" some say "I did not hire attorney" some say "every state is different. So let's put that way 'everything possible'!

At the same time, I do not think if you tell people here 'get your lesson' 'you are such a liar', 'no one believes you....etc' is a good approach who is already upset! You cannot change the fact either being 'positive' or 'negative'. Just tell your story, if you want and share your experience.

Excuse me. But I volunteer my time here.

We have a lot of problems here where people come here, and then get upset when we tell them that their story is not believable. I'm here to tell you what can happen, what your legal options are. I am not here to kiss your ass or hold your hand. I am honest and upfront, not sugar coating you with lies to make you happy.

If you don't like our advice....well, hell, you hired a lawyer...go ask the person you are paying.

Thank you again Pandora. OP, you need to take responsibility for your actions. Taking $600 worth of stuff from a store without paying for it, regardless of your story, explanation, justification or excuse is against the law. Nobody here is going to excuse or support the behavior. Hell, anyone can get in trouble with the law. What you do when the time comes is what defines you.

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Quoting PandorasBox

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Excuse me. But I volunteer my time here.

We have a lot of problems here where people come here, and then get upset when we tell them that their story is not believable. I'm here to tell you what can happen, what your legal options are.
If you don't like our advice....well, hell, you hired a lawyer...go ask the person you are paying.

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That is what exactly what I am looking for!!! I did not see anything about what will happen in your posts!

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Quoting viol8te

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Thank you again Pandora. OP, you need to take responsibility for your actions. Taking $600 worth of stuff from a store without paying for it, regardless of your story, explanation, justification or excuse is against the law. Nobody here is going to excuse or support the behavior. Hell, anyone can get in trouble with the law. What you do when the time comes is what defines you.

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I am taking my responsibility even I do not want, they will make me anyway! So let me ask you that again; where is your advice in this post?!!! or what will happen?

I contacted with an attorney and he said he has to see the video tape and police report first.

here is the question asking myself: Should I hire attorney before court or after?

Are they going to put me jail on first court or they will give me time for trial? Do I have to contact with Target Manager or not?

After all this is the first offense and they will give me jail time or not?

I would advise you, as others here have. But remember...you said you did not want my advice. And you say all my advice is WRONG. Your words, not mine. I don't have to take attitude from you.

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Quoting PandorasBox

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I would advise you, as others here have. But remember...you said you did not want my advice. And you say all my advice is WRONG. Your words, not mine. I don't have to take attitude from you.

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Whatever, what I have seen on you, after reading all your threads, you just want everyone get punished what they did so did you! That is how you feel! Again, I do not see any of your advice on any threads here as well.

Because you do not really want to help anyone! You got punished what you did purposely and you think that is the time for others. That is why you having stupid argument with everyone!

Also, you say you would not advice me because I did not want, so I did not want your comment as well, and do not write anything at all please.