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I went to a shopping center with some friends, we separate they go and try to steal something and didn't get the item but were seen getting into my car. They got my tag numbers and called me thinking that its me who did this. The detective called me and said they have the guy(me) on video but I know its not me on the tape. I don't want to tell on my friends do I have to give the police info? and am I on the hook for anything?
I suppose there's a possibility you could be charged as an accessory; I don't know how likely that is. You may wish to consult a local criminal defense lawyer.
I was at a different store buying shoes, we meet at the car is it still possible I'm an accesory. and do I have to name them?
If you do NOT name them, you may go down as an accessory. Also, your car could be impounded for a lengthy period while the police run forensics tests to determine WHO might have been in the car.Quote:
Quoting roverdover
Bottom line - if you are helping to conceal them, you are in the same boat as they are. THEY put you into this position. You need to convince them to come forward and take their medicine, or you will have to dime them off. They did it to themselves ... and I really doubt they would be willing to go to jail to keep YOU out of trouble.
- Carl
In all reality, no police department will impound your car for forensic testing for a retail theft. No department has the resources or the finances for it. The worst thing you could be looking at is an obstruction of justice charge. Most States Attorneys however won't let those charges fly, as they are extremely hard to prove. If I were you, I would keep my mouth shut unless they take some kind of action against you. Most of the time it's just threats to try and get you to talk.
Careful ... some states - like mine - have laws under which he can be charged for failing to cough up the suspects. And given the fact that the suspects were seen leaving in HIS car can lead to some ugly and expensive courtroom drama that the poster may not want.
But, if he feels so strongly about the "criminal code of silence" he can take the rap for his pals. And the retailer can always sue him in civil court which requires a much lower threshold of proof than a criminal court.
- Carl
Really, save for the degree of offense to be charged, there is no difference between driving bank robbers away from a bank and shoplifters away from a store. It may be that you can convince the police you are innocent, but if they can place you at the scene they may try to make the case that you were a participant, an accessory, a conspirator....