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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    3

    Default Shoplifting Accomplice Caught - Can I Be Charged After-The-Fact

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

    Ok a couple of days ago me and friend went into meijers. We went in seperately and both stole merchandise. He stole about $180 worth and I stole about $80. I got out fine but he was stopped and detained as he tried to leave. When I left, I put all of the items in his car as he drove. I waited there and after I figured something had went wrong I got a different ride and left. The next morning I got a call from this guy and he said he got charged with what I had taken because it was in his car. He also obviously gave them my name because he said they were going to issue a warrant for me. I am not sure if he was telling me the truth because I am sure he wants me to take credit for the stuff I took because it might lower his total to make it a misdemeanor instead of a felony. He told me it might be better if I turned myself in. He also told me they have me on camera. I guess my question is can they charge me without detaining me and without me being caught in possesion of the items? Also, since they charged him with all of it, can they charge me for stealing the same items they charged him with? What can I expect? Can they charge me just based on the video? Any help would be appreciated.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    34

    Default Re: Here is My Story.

    Quote Quoting Motown
    View Post
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

    Ok a couple of days ago me and friend went into meijers. We went in seperately and both stole merchandise. He stole about $180 worth and I stole about $80. I got out fine but he was stopped and detained as he tried to leave. When I left, I put all of the items in his car as he drove. I waited there and after I figured something had went wrong I got a different ride and left. The next morning I got a call from this guy and he said he got charged with what I had taken because it was in his car. He also obviously gave them my name because he said they were going to issue a warrant for me. I am not sure if he was telling me the truth because I am sure he wants me to take credit for the stuff I took because it might lower his total to make it a misdemeanor instead of a felony. He told me it might be better if I turned myself in. He also told me they have me on camera. I guess my question is can they charge me without detaining me and without me being caught in possesion of the items? Also, since they charged him with all of it, can they charge me for stealing the same items they charged him with? What can I expect? Can they charge me just based on the video? Any help would be appreciated.
    I can't comment on the exact question you ask as I don't know the exact shoplifting laws in our state but I can tell you one thing, NEVER admit to committing a crime. Anything you can say or do will only really be you admitting guilt.

    The the cops want you, they will issue a warrant. The whole theory of turn yourself in so it goes easier on you is kinda flawed because in order to do that, you basically have to admit guilt. Well I suppose you don't have to admit guilt but what would you say? Yeah I didn't do anything but here I am!

    It's a Catch 22.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Here is My Story.

    Yeah I have no intention of turning myself in. If I get something in the mail saying I have a warrant for retail fraud I will then turn myself in but I will defenitely not say anything.

    Also, can they use the info he gave them about my name? I am sure they told him that if he did not give them my name he would be charged with something. Is that info valid coming from a source that isnt credible and while he was under threat of additional charges?

  4. #4

    Default Re: Shoplifting Accomplice Caught - Can I Be Charged After-The-Fact

    They might have you on camera, and if they do they can absolutely charge you for the stuff that you stole and put in your friend's car. If he gave them your name, they can bring you in, ID you from the video, and charge you with theft. It doesn't matter if he is telling you the truth or a lie, whether he is credible, or under threat of charges.

    The bottom line is --He told the truth: you stole the stuff in his car. The cops found the stuff and either he or you (if authorities can match you to the guy on video) will be held accountable for it. Only time will tell. If they put a warrant out for you, be ready to turn yourself in.

    Don't admit to anything and have a lawyer's number handy.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Shoplifting Accomplice Caught - Can I Be Charged After-The-Fact

    Well the thing is he was already charged with everything.... does that mean they wont come after me?

  6. #6

    Default Re: Shoplifting Accomplice Caught - Can I Be Charged After-The-Fact

    Without your items he faces Misdemeanor 3rd degree retail fraud. With your items added on to his, he faces Misdemeanor 2nd degree retail fraud, which has stiffer penalties--higher fines and more jail time. If he knows this, he is proably going to do whatever it takes to prove he didn't steal those items in his car. And if you are letting him take the fall for your crime, what incentive does he have to protect you?

    And just because he was charged with stealing your items, does not mean that he will be convicted and the deal is done. If he gets a good lawyer, you have more of a chance of them coming after you if they (meijer) decide it is worth their time. If he can't get a lawyer he may get stuck paying for your crime.

    Really though, I would be more worried about Karma and the kind of life you will lead as a person that lets another man take the blame for a crime you committed.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    60

    Default Re: Shoplifting Accomplice Caught - Can I Be Charged After-The-Fact

    Yes, you can be charged if they decide to pursue. Expect a knock on the door from the Police within a few days.

    When we go to court, I’ll bring video evidence, written documentation and a Police report to help strengthen my case.

    In Texas, both of you would be charged with the TOTAL amount of stolen merchandise since you acted together, which in this case would be a good solid class “B” misdemeanor.

    Good luck!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    563

    Default Re: Shoplifting Accomplice Caught - Can I Be Charged After-The-Fact

    sounds like robbery to me. and miejers has parkinglot cams too

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