Loss Prevention Snatched My Bag and Searched Me

[PhongWuKong]

Hi, today I got caught shoplifting. I live in Massachusetts and would like to know more about the laws to protect myself. The scenario was I walked outside the mall, a loss prevention approached me from a different direction and she ask if I had stolen, I replied no. She snatched the bag, opened it, and put her hand through it. She asked me to follow her back inside which I did. Another employee and her then took me to a room with a desk where they take stuff from the bag out and put it in a neat organized pile and snapshot a picture of it for evidence. I am wonder if they are allowed to snatch my bag to search. Can i get the evidence suppressed in court? Should my parents hire a lawyer to represent me in court?

[cdwjava]

No, the evidence won't get suppressed because they searched it after they had you detained or arrested.

Yes, mom and dad should hire an attorney. But, mom and dad may simply decide that your pleading guilty is still the best way to go.

The best time to consider the ramifications of your actions are BEFORE you choose to break the law. Unfortunately for you, this could have lasting effects well into your future. Theft is an offense of moral turpitude. In other words, it tends to show you are a person of disreputable and dishonest character and can be used as a reason for most employers not to hire you. An attorney might be able to negotiate for you to attend some form of diversion if this is available to you.

[aardvarc]

would like to know more about the laws to protect myself.

Follow the law that says "don't steal".

[Disagreeable]

Actually, you need to know more about the laws to protect your victims. With you attitude, expect to get arrested next time. A lawyer might get you diversion this time.