What to do if yesterday I was caught shoplifting at a store?
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What to do if yesterday I was caught shoplifting at a store?
First time ever’ no criminal history whatsoever. Personal issues led me to think I would get a natural high from this so I did it. (not making excuses, stating facts) I was taken to a back room, surrendered what I had taken without any difficulty and was cooperative. The merchandise totaled $48. I signed a paper stating that the items listed were what I took, they took my picture and stated I was caught on camera. They did not contact the police and gave me a no-trespass order for that location. Then they walked me out of the store after stating I would receive a bill for everything plus a fine for their time. Could I still be charged criminally? I read not to pay this fine, should I?
Asked on September 23, 2013 under Criminal Law, Illinois
Answers:
Tricia Dwyer / Tricia Dwyer Esq & Associates PLLC
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Hello. I urge you not to post details of this matter on a public website and to confer privately with an attorney licensed in your state. This sort of legal help is known as 'pre charge' criminal defense. Know that generally: Some attorneys are available seven days for emergency legal needs. Many attorneys will speak initially at no charge. Then, if legal work is performed, some attorneys will provide a reduced fee for financial hardship. Some attorneys may also assist you in a limited scope manner to conserve legal costs. All the best.
TRICIA DWYER, ESQ.
Tricia Dwyer, Esq & Associates PLLC
Phone: 612-296-9666
365 Days of the Year until 8 p.m. daily
Minnesota Law Firm
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: MINNESOTA
ADULT - JUVENILE
PRE-CHARGE CRIMINAL DEFENSE: MINNESOTA
THEFT - SHOPLIFTING LAW: MINNESOTA
Tricia Dwyer / Tricia Dwyer Esq & Associates PLLC
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Hello. I urge you not to post details of this matter on a public website and to confer privately with an attorney licensed in your state. This sort of legal help is known as 'pre charge' criminal defense. Know that generally: Some attorneys are available seven days for emergency legal needs. Many attorneys will speak initially at no charge. Then, if legal work is performed, some attorneys will provide a reduced fee for financial hardship. Some attorneys may also assist you in a limited scope manner to conserve legal costs. All the best.
TRICIA DWYER, ESQ.
Tricia Dwyer, Esq & Associates PLLC
Phone: 612-296-9666
365 Days of the Year until 8 p.m. daily
Minnesota Law Firm
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: MINNESOTA
ADULT - JUVENILE
PRE-CHARGE CRIMINAL DEFENSE: MINNESOTA
THEFT - SHOPLIFTING LAW: MINNESOTA
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