Set Up By A Co-Worker For Shoplifting

[notguiltyhelpme]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Arkansas

I was shopping and met a coworker. She put several things into my purse without my knowledge. We proceeded to the check out and she went ahead of me. I paid for my purchases and walked to the door where the security alarm went off. My coworker proceeded to leave and I was detained. I had no idea what the problem was. I was escorted to the security room and told to empty my purse. I told the security officer there was a mistake because I didn't have anything in my purse. He grabbed it and dumped it out on the table. The items were there and equaled about $30 in value. The police were called and I was given a citation with a court date. I am not guilty of this. I asked repeatedly for the security personnel to review the surveillance tape. If they looked they would see I did not do this. I went directly back to work and my manager confronted my coworker and she was fired on the spot. I do not have the money to hire an attorney and she is not going to admit she did this. Is there anything I can do to keep from being convicted of a crime I didn’t commit?

[panther10758]

YOur going to have a very hard time convincing anyone your version is true

[notguiltyhelpme]

Can I force them to provide the security video?

[panther10758]

Yes if you fight charge and request video through "Discovery Process" However all it may show is the items going into your purse and how the jury/judges percieves whether you have knowledge or not will be up to each person(s)

[notguiltyhelpme]

Thank you for your help.

[aaron]

If they looked they would see I did not do this.

The problem is, the tape wouldn't show that you were innocent - even if the tape shows her putting the items into your purse, it doesn't disprove the possibility that you were working in concert with your co-worker.

I do not have the money to hire an attorney and she is not going to admit she did this.

Check with the court to see if you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer.