Price Switching Without Intent

I recently visited a large home improvement chain to purchase some residential electrical wire. When I found the correct size, I noticed it was the last one on the shelf. Also, the packaging, plastic stretch wrap, was partially damaged. Approxiamately one foot away was a piece of plastic with a barcode and labeling which seemed to match. I picked up both the packaged wire and the plastic labelling nearby and placed them into my basket. After picking up a couple peices of wood, I proceeded to the checkout and paid for the items. As soon as I walked passed the registers about five feet away from the exit doors I was interrupted by a young man who asked me to stop. When I asked, "What's this about?" He said, "I think you know." He grabbed me by the arm and told me that I needed to come with him. I obliged and went to his office in the back of the store. He asked me if I had any weapons, searched my body and took out my wallet, keys, etc. He then explained that he saw me switch the price tags and pay the wrong price for the wire. After completing a report on a computer, he called the police and I was given a citation.

I have already contacted a criminal law attorney and made an appointment. Why am I here? I was wondering what I should expect?

Q: I have already contacted a criminal law attorney and made an appointment. Why am I here? I was wondering what I should expect?

A: You must realize that this is one of the oldest stories in the shoplifting world. I doubt that you can get anyone to believe it.

We can only speculate your Attorney can research things (through discovery) and better answer your question. It appears as price you paid is lower than actual price and there is an "assumption" you put lower price on it intentionally. Your "intent" cannot be proved. Now if lower price was so low it was silly that works againist you. Discuss this with your Attorney and formulate a defense or plea arrangement

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Quoting seniorjudge

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Q: I have already contacted a criminal law attorney and made an appointment. Why am I here? I was wondering what I should expect?

A: You must realize that this is one of the oldest stories in the shoplifting world. I doubt that you can get anyone to believe it.

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I'm not surprised. I'm sure every story imaginable has been used.

The most irritating part of my situation is that if the LP guy suspected I had the wrong price tag, then why did he allow me to pay that price, saying nothing until after the fact. I'm sure that if the price tag indicated a price higher than the actual price, there wouldn't be a problem.
No need for a response, this is mostly rhetorical.

I know, I know, just talk to my attorney and see what can be done. Sorry for coming across as bitter, but what exactly is this forum good for?

Telling you the price was incorrect and refusing the sale was an option but they were not legally bound to do so.

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Quoting coryjp75

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I'm not surprised. I'm sure every story imaginable has been used.

The most irritating part of my situation is that if the LP guy suspected I had the wrong price tag, then why did he allow me to pay that price, saying nothing until after the fact. I'm sure that if the price tag indicated a price higher than the actual price, there wouldn't be a problem.
No need for a response, this is mostly rhetorical.

I know, I know, just talk to my attorney and see what can be done. Sorry for coming across as bitter, but what exactly is this forum good for?

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we're missing some information, for one, how much did you end up paying for whatever it was, and how much were you suppose to pay? I could stop everyone i see open up a package and give them the package to pay for the item before they leave the store, thats not doing much for the LP department is it?
i find it hard to believe the LP called the police if it was only a few dollars, you have had to save like 40+ dollars from the original pricce

I appreciate your responses.

I paid $40, the price was actually $185. Since I still needed the item, I later went to the "other" home improvement store and purchased the item in question. Will this have any effect on my case? The LP guy insisted I just didn't want to pay the price, but as I've said before, that wasn't my intent.

You paid $40.00 for a nearly $200.00 item and didnt think that odd!?

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Quoting panther10758

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You paid $40.00 for a nearly $200.00 item and didnt think that odd!?

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It was electrical wire, not a power tool! So, no, I didn't think it was odd.

Ok but from my view I see why they thought this was intentional.