If you’ve been accused of shoplifting, the “court of public opinion” may not be in your favor. However, with the right legal defense you can clear your good name and may even be eligible to file a counterclaim if the original accusations were spurious.
Whenever you are accused of any crime, the very first step you should take is finding a lawyer. Your lawyer should not only be experienced and aggressive, but also someone who has worked hard on behalf of other clients accused of similar incidents — and who has won in those cases.
No important decision in life should be made on the basis of any advertisement … or any blog. However, you can get a basic background in shoplifting defense here. Before you take any further action, call the Law Offices of Naiburg, Obedin and Weissman.
What To Do And Not To Do If You Are Accused Of Shoplifting
First and foremost: It never benefits you to make a statement or speak to the police without the help of a lawyer. Even the most basic statements of guilt or innocence can be used against you. Remember, even if they call it an “interview,” it is being used to gather evidence against you.
As soon as you are accused, it is a good idea to write down your memory of events, going into as much detail as possible. Share this information only with your lawyer. In the event that you have to recount events at a hearing or in another context, it is important not to contradict yourself.
Many cases that are initially described as “shoplifting” are, in fact, accidental. For accused individuals who have no other criminal history, a settlement can often be reached including the return of any item that was removed from the premises.
However, because many stores are equipped with surveillance cameras, it is important to retain an attorney to discover what kind of information may be used as evidence in the case before the fundamentals of the defense are laid down.
The Specifics Of Your Defense Depend On Your Case
In the event that you have any merchandise you believe may have been removed from a store without paying for it, do not destroy or sell it. Generally, you should maintain possession of it until you can discuss the matter with a lawyer, and do not use it in any way.
For personalized advice, contact our offices now. We look forward to the opportunity to help you.