Shoplifting Class B Felony

[jp6]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Alabama

Over the past month I stole several thousand in goods from a store. They know who I am and probably have footage. I have not been charged and will seek out a criminal defense lawyer. I have not prior record. I understand they want to make an example but I have voluntarily stopped the theft and I am deeply sorry for my actions. I know this does not justify the crime. Is there any chance that the class B could get reduced or that the store would settle out of court?

Thanks for your help.

[jk]

Is there any chance that the class B could get reduced or that the store would settle out of court?

there is no way to know if any charges might be reduced. That would be up to you/your lawyer and the court and prosecutor. Very often charges are reduced in exchange for a guilty plea as it saves the state money and gives them a sure win as compared to one they must prove.

as to whether the store would be open to such an offer is completely up to them. If this has already been turned over to the police/DA, it is really out of the store's hands though.

[jp6]

Thank you for the reply. Since the store is a big box, I figured they would not be open to negotiations. Once it is passed along to the DA, do the chances of having it reduced decrease or does it still just depend on the individual case. I wish I had read these forums before the crime.

[free9man]

Reading your OP, it sounds like you have never even been apprehended. You need to be a little more clear about what's going on. If no one has contacted you regarding it, don't sweat it until 5-0 comes a'knockin'. Start saving up for atty fees, restitution and other financial costs. Any attempt to negotiate with them could be construed as an admission of guilt usable against you in a court of law. Just sit back and wait. Stay out of that store and any other stores in its chain, as the local stores probably all have your picture in the LP offices.

As JK mentioned, once the police are involved the store really has no say in the outcome of the criminal case. Sometimes the prosecution will consult with the store's LP personnel regarding deals and take their input into account but not always.

Whether the prosecution is willing to deal is a completely case-by-case matter. If you have a clean record and cooperated when you were apprehended, they might be willing to deal.

[jp6]

Thanks for the reply and no I have not been apprehended yet, but most certainly will given the amount stolen. I'm just not very optimistic that these people will be merciful and take me at my word that I'm truly sorry, this past month is not who I am but I feel like that's what I will be solely judged on.

[tc498]

All you can do is wait it out and have a lawyer on hand but say nothing to the police,mangers or anyone without a lawyer no matter what they say to you. Show your id or whatever is required by law and just state that you are instructed to keep quiet until a lawyer is present don't budge from that statement. If you are arrested keeping quiet b.c it can help the lawyer limit the damage. If the lawyer instruct to talk and plead guiltily then do so. It also a good idea to have bail money set aside and all your ducks in row an arrest warrant is issued. Also avoid the stores or even general area as much as you can.

Chances are they might arrested u but it could be hard to link all the stuff,it's just damage control now if they happen to catch you. If the police call or ask question do nothing,don't go down to the station or anything,just wait for an arrest warrant if it's comes to that. The camera could be unclear or like i said linking all the crimes might be hard,I woudn't even admit to being in the store. The police might call and ask to speak to you in order to gather enough edvience.