Charged With Return Fraud, First Offense

[Outdoorfunfishing]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Missouri
At kohls and took something to the returns desk that wasn’t mine and retuned it (unclearly of why I did what I did). LP person stopped me before I exited I went to that office and they contacted cops as I was shook up and scared (never had stolen anything ever). The cop gave me a court date and ticket. There were a pile of receipts on the desk, what were they there for. We’re they tracking prior transactions I’ve made? Are they looking back at other days I was there to see if they can find something against me. I’ve never ever have done this and scared to see what’s going to happen next.

[flyingron]

What you should do next is get an attorney. You're being charged with a crime. Yes, they very much can look for your other prior thefts. If this can be aggregated to over $500, you can even be charged with a felony.

[asa_jim]

Independent thefts committed on different dates would constitute separate crimes and could not be aggregated for the purpose of enhancing the charge. Everything stolen on one occasion could, however.

[budwad]

At kohls and took something to the returns desk that wasn’t mine and retuned it .

Who's was it and how did you come by it? Was this something you just took off the rack and decided to try returning it without a purchase receipt?

[flyingron]

Independent thefts committed on different dates would constitute separate crimes and could not be aggregated for the purpose of enhancing the charge.

Absolutely untrue. All it takes is a common scheme or course of conduct. See Missouri RS 570.050

[asa_jim]

repealed

[flyingron]

Nope, just moved to 570.030.