Complicity to Shoplifting

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05-17-2009, 04:35 PM
myoun00

Complicity to Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: OH

I was involoved in the apprehension of 4 shoplifters. three juveniles and their mom. The mom was charged with complicity. The three juveniles came in with their mom with empty purses. The mom didn't handle the daughters items but was present when all three were concealing, and served as the lookout while pushing her buggy around the store. And numerous times came to me and was mildly distracting me. The mom also tried to prevent me from apprehending the daughters. In the apprehension I recovered stolen items from the juveniles purses. Mom acted as if shed fight the charge o complicity. Do you think the complicity charge will hold up when I go to court. I believe the juveniles pleaded out. And aren't guardians responsible for their kids when they conduct crimes in their presence.
05-17-2009, 05:51 PM
Security Consultant

Re: Complicity to Shoplifting

I've seen a number of these cases around the country, including Ohio. I used to be a police officer there. The police must of thought the charge would hold up or they wouldn't have filed the charge. If it goes to trial - looks like you will be required to testify.
05-19-2009, 02:23 PM
BOR

Re: Complicity to Shoplifting

Quote:

Quoting myoun00

My question involves criminal law for the state of: OH

I was involoved in the apprehension of 4 shoplifters. three juveniles and their mom. The mom was charged with complicity. The three juveniles came in with their mom with empty purses. The mom didn't handle the daughters items but was present when all three were concealing, and served as the lookout while pushing her buggy around the store. And numerous times came to me and was mildly distracting me. The mom also tried to prevent me from apprehending the daughters. In the apprehension I recovered stolen items from the juveniles purses. Mom acted as if shed fight the charge o complicity. Do you think the complicity charge will hold up when I go to court. I believe the juveniles pleaded out.

She could have been charged as the principal also, same difference by law, which also requires probable cause, so she can fight whatever she chooses.

(F) Whoever violates this section is guilty of complicity in the commission of an offense, and shall be prosecuted and punished as if he were a principal offender. A charge of complicity may be stated in terms of this section, or in terms of the principal offense.

Effective Date: 09-17-1986

http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2923.03

She's entitled to a public defender, if indigent, and a JURY trial. In ohio ALL criminal jury verdicts must be Unanimous, felony or misdemeanor.

Quote:

And aren't guardians responsible for their kids when they conduct crimes in their presence.

Not if they had no prior knowledge, and I am not talking about parental liability laws here. Say a child does 1,000.00 worth of damage to a home, I live in Ohio too, and I think the cap is 15g's.