Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    2

    Default Falsely Accused of Shoplifting Merchandise

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA
    I was wrongfully accused of shoplifting at Target in California. This is what happened. I went to the store with 2 items to be returned (with receipts) and exchanged with another items. When I finished the shopping, I went to the cashier and asked about the returns and exchanges. The cashier told me that I need to go to customer service dept(CSD) to do that. This store had two entrances, one on the north and the other on the south side of the building. I went to the south side of the building but the csd was on the north side of the building. As I passed the security bar, I realized that the csd was on the other side of the building, and at the same time, store lp showed up and accused me of shoplifting. I pleaded my case to the lp but no avail. I did not sign anything at the store. Police showed up later and I was cited and given a court date. I really had no intention of stealing anything, I am falsely accused. I pleaded my case to police who showed at the store, he basically says that I need to tell my side of the story to the judge. I am intending to fight this charge. My questions is, (1) Can I ask the judge to dismiss the case based on my side of the story?, (2) Should I meet with DA before the arraignment date to convince him to drop the charge?, (3) if all fails, then what are my options. Thank you so much for any insight.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Southeastern Michigan
    Posts
    1,226

    Default Re: Falselu Accused of Shoplifting

    You can plead your case to the judge who will then decide on the outcome (guilty or not). The DA won't speak to you except during questioning at your trial.

    1. Hire an attorney
    2. Represent yourself and take your chances.

    IMHO - #1 is your best option.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Falsely Accused of Shoplifting

    Can I do this at the arraignment date?

  4. #4

    Default Re: Falsely Accused of Shoplifting

    If you were looking for customer service why did you go through the security gates? You know that customer service is INSIDE the store and that after going through the gates it only leads you outside. That makes no sense and would not be explainable in any way. The judge will NOT dismiss the charges, the DA will NOT dismiss the charges. The only way to fight this charge is to go to trial and if your story is correct you would most likely lose your case. Get a lawyer, quick.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Los Angeles, CA
    Posts
    36

    Default Re: Falsely Accused of Shoplifting

    If your target is anything like mine (where the CSD is after the security) then you might have a chance. Likely the judge will not allow you to "tell your side of the story" and as any attorney with half a brain would tell you, it is NOT advised that you do so on the record. If, for some reason, your case had to go to trial they could use that statement against you. I know it seems silly, since you'd just be telling your side, but it is true. If your story is even SLIGHTLY different, and it will be, they will hang you with your previous statement to the judge. It is human nature to f@*k up small details about a story, even if it is totally true and you are telling the truth. The DA will be able to portray you as a liar even if it is something as small as the model of the item you had.

    What you should do is hire a lawyer or ask for the public defender's office. You can tell them your side of the story. And they can go to the DA, off the record and tell them the situation. Maybe that will get you out of it. If not, when you go to trial you can tell your side of the story on the stand, and they won't have a prior statement to nitpick you to death with.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Yucaipa,Ca (so.ca)
    Posts
    35

    Default Re: Falsely Accused of Shoplifting

    It seems to me that you made a honest mistake. Unfortunately you may end up paying dearly for that mistake. Whats the worse that could happen ? I dont think people are jailed for shoplifting but i do know the ca courts are fine & jail crazy.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Accused of Shoplifting After Removing Merchandise from the Box, Discarding the Box
    By Maryjjtore in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 03-06-2014, 12:48 PM
  2. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: What if You Are Falsely Accused of Shoplifting?
    By help me nyc in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 08-12-2008, 06:16 AM
  3. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Accused Of Shoplifting When The Merchandise Never Left The Store
    By sa69 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 03-12-2008, 08:33 PM
  4. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Falsely Accused of Shoplifting
    By mark2kay in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-26-2007, 08:40 PM
  5. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Accused of Shoplifting for Putting Merchandise in a Pocket
    By Lintewathion in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 03-03-2006, 08:53 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources