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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Posts
    4

    Question Washington State: Took Blame for Shoplifting, What to Say in Court

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington.

    im 20 yrs old, clean record, (besides 1 traffic infraction for not having my license with me).


    On black friday at the mall i was shopping with a family friend (17 yrs old) at Sears.
    WITHOUT my knowledge she was shoplifting.
    I was carrying around a shirt i wanted to get for my boyfriend along with some jeans and shirts i wanted to try on for myself. We went into the same fitting room together, while trying on jeans i seen her put a jacket in her purse, i told her not to repeatitly and she wasnt listening, so i told her fine if she gets caught its not my fault and we werent going to do any shopping after.

    Sears LP stopped us at the doors and took us to the back, they had us empty our bags, She had about 10+ pairs of underwear, 2 bras, a shirt, and the jacket. I had nothing in mine. But i came to realize she had put the mens shirt i decided not to get my bf in one of my bags from another store. At that point i took the blame for the shirt because i knew that she could get charged something worse then 3rd degree if she had a lot of items or something like that. they then had the police come (which i didnt think they were going to do) and i stuck with the story that i took it.

    i Now have court in a few days, and i don't want this getting put on my record or pay a ridiculous amount of fines.

    What should i say in court? Guilty or not Guilty? Can i get diversion or something like it ??

    -Thank you!!!

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

    Default Re: Washington State: Took Blame for Shoplifting, What to Say in Court

    What exactly is your charge? Do you have any citation number or letter yet?

    Will reply more later. You do need to start calling around to Criminal Defense Attorneys asap.

    Did you know the other person was going to shoplift?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Washington State: Took Blame for Shoplifting, What to Say in Court

    Thank you for replying it means a lot!!

    i got charged with theft in the 3rd degree 9A:56:050

    no i didn't know she was shoplifting, Until we went into the fitting room together, and i only seen her take the jacket.

    when we were detained is when i seen ALL the things she had took and the shirt she placed in my bag.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Earth
    Posts
    207

    Default Re: Washington State: Took Blame for Shoplifting, What to Say in Court

    Unfortunately, now is a bit too late to tell the truth that your friend hid stuff in your bag, unless you can convince said friend to incriminate herself to clear you and even then it might be tricky.

    You should definitely get a lawyer. If you can't afford one, plead not guilty and ask for a public defender. Your lawyer can help you get into any diversion programs that may be available, but it would be best if you got acquitted; you didn't actually steal anything, so your only crime was some ill-advised loyalty to this friend.

    Unfortunately, unless said friend is just as loyal and offers the testimony you need, you'll end up paying a few thousand dollars in fines, court fees, legal fees, and civil demands, just so your friend might get charged with something less than the crime she committed.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Washington State: Took Blame for Shoplifting, What to Say in Court

    You did the right thing in telling her not to steal. Unfortunately not harshly enough.

    You should never have taken the blame for the shirt you wanted to get for the boyfriend. If you did not steal - why should you face the charges and the hard time finding a job because of it?

    As mentioned above...that shirt will now cost you a lot of money, and a difficult time finding a job...

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