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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Posts
    2

    Default Stealing From a Store That Has Your Address

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas

    My friend came to me with his problem: He shoplifted 3 items totaling about $300 from a small botique. Upon paying for the item he did purchase, he used his card. Having purchased there before, they have his phone, address, and full name. Later he received a text saying they "forgot to charge him for x and x." He agreed to go back and pay for them realizing he had been found out. They had him pay for the items they "forgot to check out" plus another item they thought he had taken too (though he actually didn't take that item). It is clear they were on to him. They said they were doing inventory tomorrow and would contact him if there were any other problems.

    Can they file charges with this information? They did not actually see him steal the items. And he's paid for them at this point.
    I suppose if anyone before him had stolen anything, they could stick him for that too.

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

    Default Re: Shoplifting

    I wonder what evidence they have on him to suspect him over other customers? Did things disappear when HE was there, or did someone witness suspicious behavior from him?

    $300 is a lot...so your friend has likely been shoplifting for a while. $300 is not typical of a first time shoplifter.

    As the store does have his info....yes, they can pass that, and their suspicions and any evidence to the county Prosecutor for review. It will be up to the Prosecutor to decide if charges can be filed.

    In the meantime, best to tell your friend:
    - Stay out of that store.
    - Stop shoplifting.
    - Tell him that a retail fraud charge can cost him thousands of dollars, and give him a criminal record.
    - In addition to that money, it can cost him him a lot more. Some apartments won't rent to thieves. It can affect his credit. It can make it very hard to find a job

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Shoplifting

    Since it was a small botique, he was one of about 3 in the store. When they contacted him saying "you have X item" and he returned to pay for it, that pretty much admits that he stole it. Though they never directly accused him of it, he says. Is there a time frame they would have to contact the county in? Or could they charge him at anytime?

    Also, he has paid for all of the items now. Including one he didn't take but they claimed "they had two of before he left the store." Does that count for anything? Aren't they technically his items now?

    And thank you for the help!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Shoplifting

    Time frame varies by state, but they do have 1-2 years to file charges.

    He paid for the items after he stole them and was contacted by the store. That is an admission of guilt. As for the other item he paid for, well....he has no way of proving he did not steal that item....

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