Quote Quoting dmc2000
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the officers said the camera caught her "fidgeting with items in (her) cart". I wouldn't say that's actual proof so can she still be charged?
Are you under the impression that something called "proof" is needed to charge a person with a crime? "Proof" is nothing but a quantum of evidence that is sufficient to convince someone that something is or isn't true. "Proof" does not have to exist until trial. The standard for charging someone with a crime is probable cause. The video you described is evidence, and without seeing the video and knowing what other evidence might exist, there's no way to opine intelligently whether probable cause does or doesn't exist.

Quote Quoting dmc2000
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a friend of hers who works in law enforcement (I believe juvenile officer?) informed her that because she didn't walk out the store, pass the registers, or try to pay with a switched tag they had no right to search the store and arrest her. Is that true?
No.

Quote Quoting dmc2000
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Just trying to find out everything we can and figure out what her best options are
Well...for starters, your friend admitting her crime to you was stupid. You can be called as a witness and compelled to testify about what she told you. Don't think that'll happen? Well...you certainly increased the likelihood of it happening by blabbing about it on the internet and identifying the victim of the crime in your post. This victim is the nation's largest employer and, from what I've heard, employs a very large loss prevention staff who looks at message boards like these to find instances where folks post about incidents like these and foolishly identify the victim. In other words, you did your friend a massive disservice by identifying the victim of her crime. You should see if it's possible for you to edit or delete your post.

Your friend needs a lawyer.