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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2011
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    10

    Default What Charges Can Be Brought Against an Accessory to Shoplifting

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: california

    I drove three people to a a store and waited in the car.. two of them stole sodas from the store. They got back into my car and I drove away. I had no knowledge of the incident until after I got a visit to a cop at my adress and they said they had video of the two kids stealing. I told them I had no knowledge of the incident, but I'm assuming it looks like I was their getaway driver or something..


    In california, what are the charges for being an accessory to shoplifting in a store of merchandise that costs less than $50?


    And is that the same thing as petty theft?



    What punishment would a first time offender generally get if they plead guilty?



    What would the punishment be for a person with a non-theft related prior?



    Would this crime be a misdemeanor or infraction?


    What are the chances of getting the punishment reduced, or dismissed all together?


    Would someone who was an accessory to shoplifting, but never set foot in the store be responsible for paying the civil demand fee?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Accessory to Shoplifting. What Charges Can Be Brought Against Me

    Would someone who was an accessory to shoplifting, but never set foot in the store be responsible for paying the civil demand fee.

    They see it the same as the getaway driver in a bank robbery, who never stepped foot into the bank.

    I'd find better friends to take shopping.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Posts
    10

    Default Re: Accessory to Shoplifting. What Charges Can Be Brought Against Me

    Somebody on another forum informed me that under california law, a person can only be an accessory to felony charges.. not misdemeanors.

    If that's true than I could not be charged with anything, even if I did drive the suspect to and from the store since it was petty theft.

    Can anybody please clarify this?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    20,594

    Default Re: What Charges Can Be Brought Against an Accessory to Shoplifting

    Quote Quoting drreezy
    View Post
    In california, what are the charges for being an accessory to shoplifting in a store of merchandise that costs less than $50?
    If charges as a principal (i.e. for the theft/burglary) you could be charged with an infraction or misdemeanor for shoplifting, or a potential felony for burglary. If you are charged at all.

    And is that the same thing as petty theft?
    It's actually a lesser offense if charged as an infraction per PC 490.1.

    What punishment would a first time offender generally get if they plead guilty?
    That depends entirely on what offense is charged. Probation and fines are the most common end results.

    What would the punishment be for a person with a non-theft related prior?
    The prior will probably make little difference ... depending on the specific offense.

    Would this crime be a misdemeanor or infraction?
    It could be charged as an infraction for shoplifting less than $50, a misdemeanor for the petty theft shoplifting, or as a felony for burglary (and maybe felony conspiracy as well).

    What are the chances of getting the punishment reduced, or dismissed all together?
    If charged, probably not much. But, if they have no statements or other evidence to show your knowledge or active involvement, then no charges are likely.

    Would someone who was an accessory to shoplifting, but never set foot in the store be responsible for paying the civil demand fee?
    The store might try to make you responsible. It would be up to you whether or not you'd want to pay the civil demand if it came to you.

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