Friend Caught Shoplifting, Am Charged Also
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Colorado
My friend was caught the other day shoplifting from Walmart. We were stopped outside and both were asked to go into a room. She gave us each a theft ticket and when i questioned her, she said it looked like i knew it was going on and didn't stop it. Is that fair? Is there anyway i can really get charged with this? (My friend already plead guilty, stolen amount was $14)
Also...they just called me again and said they are now pressing civil charges..? Can they do that? And what advice would u have
Re: Friend Caught Shoplifting, Am Charged Also
Who is "she"? A police officer? If you were ticketed by a police officer, then you've been charged.
Can the store issue a civil demand to shoplifters? Yes. If you don't believe you are civilly liable, you can decline to pay and see if they sue you. If they sue you, you can argue your case in court.
Re: Friend Caught Shoplifting, Am Charged Also
What MaestroJ needs to know is whether the store has rights to civil damages from MaestroJ, as an accomplice or nonreporting witness.
Colorado Revised Statutes 13-21-107.5 reads:
"(2) An adult or an emancipated minor who takes possession of any merchandise from any mercantile establishment without the consent of the owner, without paying the purchase price, and with the intention of converting such merchandise to his own use or who alters the price indicia of any merchandise shall be civilly liable to the owner for actual damages plus a penalty payable to the owner of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars."
I can't find anything about accomplices or people who merely see the crime, so
it looks like the store is just scrounging for extra cash. But it would be good to hear from someone with more expertise.