What happens if someone shoplifts

Ask the person to hand over stolen property. You should ask the shoplifter to hand over any property that does not belong to them. If the shoplifter refuses, you are not allowed to conduct a search of their person or any property they have in their possession. If a search of their person is conducted against their wishes, you could find yourself charged with assault.

Do not leave the shoplifter unattended. Leaving the shoplifter unattended may give them an opportunity to dispose of any stolen items before the police arrive. Make notes about the incident. You may be required to give evidence about the incident in court, so you should make notes about what you saw, the time, what you did and what was said.

The police will rely on your observations to determine whether there is enough evidence to arrest and charge the shoplifter. Release the shoplifter. You can release the shoplifter at any time. However, if the shoplifter is under 18 years of age, you should only release them into the care of the police, their parent or guardian. If a citizen's arrest is made, you must remember that you will owe a duty of care to the person you are detaining. If you use too much force, the shoplifter could bring charges of assault against you and you may be called to court to justify your actions.

If an incident is investigated and the shoplifter is not charged, you could be at risk of a civil claim for damages for false imprisonment. This should not be relied on as specific advice. You should seek your own legal and other advice for any question, or for any specific situation or proposal, before making any final decision.

A good example of this is kleptomania — basically an uncontrollable impulse to take things. What happens if you are caught shoplifting? The possible consequences of being caught shoplifting are: You may end up being arrested and taken into custody. A shoplifting conviction means you will have a criminal record.

You may be offered a police caution as an alternative to prosecution. However, if you accept, this still counts as a criminal conviction. You make a bad name for yourself and can be banned from the particular store. How does shoplifting affect others? The victims of shoplifting are: The store owners and their families — inconvenience, loss of stock and the time it takes to deal with the effects of shoplifting.

The criminal defense attorneys in Phoenix, AZ at Belen Law Firm help you build a case to protect your rights and reduce charges against you. Contact us to receive a free consultation today. Tel: Email: belen belenlawfirm. All rights reserved. August 17, What is Considered Shoplifting?

According to state law, shoplifting involves any of the following: Stealing merchandise Removing or altering a price tag in order to pay less than the marked price Paying for merchandise with a false account or with an account the belongs to another person without their knowledge, consent, or authorization Removing an item for sale or on display without paying for it Shoplifting can occur in any store, retail business, or establishment with merchandise for sale.

How to Check If you receive a Notice to Appear for shoplifting, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney at Belen Law Firm immediately. Next Arizona Knife Laws Next. Set Up Your Free Consultation. Leave this Blank if are sentient. What Our Clients Say. For her integrity and professionalism, but during the course of our representation, we gained a degree of personal trust and reliance far exceeding our expectations.

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