Accusation of Shoplifting from Target

[tsfrc]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Colorado

I would like to thanks who will answer and help me, first. I have been reading all threads relevant my situation for 5-6 hours and decided to write my story as well if I could get any advice.

I was at Target earlier today and grab 2 bags and start shopping and I put little items into that bags rest of were as is and I was thirsty and went to the water fountain and then I remembered to make important call and while I was on the phone forgot to pay merchandise and they stopped me just first step of the door grabbing my arm and detained me (even I was cooperative) and called cop and gave me summons of theft with court date.

Even the cop did not listen me that I did not want to sign that summon and told me either sign or arrest!

This is the first time ever had happened to me! And I do not know what to do!

Need any advice or help...

[cyjeff]

So... you grabbed two of the plastic bags, filled them with merchandise and then attempted to leave the store.

Right?

What part of this do I have incorrect?

[tsfrc]

nope everything was in shopping cart and it went out of my mind that I had paid or not because I was on the phone and when they grabbed my arm I told them sorry and either I can pay or leave! but they did not listen and call the cop! The bags just for the small pieces but the others were could be seen in the shopping cart! Nothing was concealed or hide!

[flyingron]

They're under no obligation to listen. You had their merchandise which you had not paid for and were attempting to leave the store. Your excuse means nothing as far as the cause for your arrest and little as far as determining guilt. You'll need a lawyer.

[PandorasBox]

This is what a lawyer will ask you:

WHY did you grab two bags when you entered the store? Why did you put items in these bags before paying for them?

You're going to need good answers to this.

And the "I got distracted by my phone call" - that story has been used a lot lately....

[free9man]

Your story sounds like a grab bag of shoplifter excuses. It's almost as if you are trying things out to see if anything might work. There is nothing Target carries that will not fit in the basket/cart without falling through the cracks, well unless you open a bag of smaller items. The cops/DAs/judges have heard all those stories before.

Signing the summons was not an admission of guilt, it was simply a promise to appear in court. If you don't sign, the officer has no choice but to take you into custody to assure your appearance.

Oh, the items in the bags were in fact concealed and hidden from view.

From your grammar, I'm guessing you are not a native English speaker so I would highly recommend an attorney.

[tsfrc]

thanks again sharing your thoughts with me and I agree that they do not listen or believe me but that is what happened. In this case should I wait till court date and see what will happen and step forward and this is the first time, and what is possible charge? I did not mean to do that I swear but on their side looks like it s shoplifting and very first time when he stopped me I told them sorry and I was cooperative. The other weird thing to me is why they did not stop me and ask me to pay?

That grabbing bags was happened in the past also. I grabbed the bags because I do not want all items mess and I asked couple times if it is ok and after permission I did my shopping but this time I directly went and grabbed 2 bags because I after my experience previously thought that would be ok(that was a mistake).

The other thing 'yes' at least 2, 3 times I got items and left the store and when I got the car I remembered that I did not pay and got back to store! Sounds stupid but yes that happened! One time we were talking with my brother and we just walked outside and then we noticed that we did not pay and looked at each other faces and laughed and got back and paid!

My understanding after all that is the way you can shoplifting but I did not intend honestly.

[PandorasBox]

Rules about shopping:

The stores have CARTS. Use them.

Do not touch a bag until you are at U-Scan or cash register.

If you have reusable bags, do not put anything in them until you have scanned and paid for every item.

If the item is small, immediately go to a cash register and purchase it.

They don't believe your story because it is used often.

[tsfrc]

I was using their shopping CART already. After reading all those threads I got agree that they will not believe me(( But even with return items bag or from other store bag I asked them couple times if it is Ok to walk in and I got YES so that gives you think you do not have to ask and just walk in and I did so many times nothing happened. Ain't that weird they tolerate all those and then one time they use those reasons against you?! That is the point what I do not understand?! And again I DID NOT MEAN TO STILL anything!

And over all what is going to be possible charges?

[Mr. Knowitall]

I expect that the citation and summons indicate the charge that has been filed against you.