Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

arrested for shoplifting

Me and my 15 yr. old daughter was at Walmart, I left the store and seen 3 people talking to my daughter, they asked me for the pink backpack that she had, I found it in the car and gave it to them, and one of the men said she was going to be arrested and I could pick her up at juvenile hall. The female with them stated that I was helping her and I should be arrested also. The female told that to the police and I was arrested, 2 days later in court, the charge went from a shoplifting to a 211 (Robbery) because they found some other items in the back seat and because they said we made more than into the store. The items in the backseat was items (clothes) I was returning, but didn't have my I.D., so I put back into the car. I owed 20 days for an old warrant, but they said after my time was up, that I was not going to be released but that I was going to be sent to prison. I went back to court and told them that I wanted to take it to trial, and I was released that day on my O.R. I have prior convictions 11 years ago that were dismissed. They said because all three were now saying that I helped my daughter stuff the clothes in the backpack, If i took it to trial I would lose.


Asked on 9/27/05, 12:38 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
H.M. Torrey The Law Offices of H.M. Torrey

Re: arrested for shoplifting

if you would like to contact us today for further assistance, we may be of great help to you. however, as it stands, we only know the basic facts of your situation, but you did not ask a question as of yet.

Read more
Answered on 9/27/05, 5:58 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: arrested for shoplifting

Get a lawyer. Now. And get a different lawyer for your daughter. If you can't afford to to this, have the court appoint lawyers for the two of you.

Other than you, everyone involved in your case knows the law. Other than you and (hopefully) the judge, they all want to see you and your daughter convixted and know how to increase the odds that this will happen. You need someone with similar knowledge working on your behalf, and so does your daughter. Getting her a good defense attorney may be the single most important thing you ever do for her, since children who end up in "the system" usually have only limited opportunities later in life, along with a variety of problems in the near term. I'm sure you don't want that kind of future for your child.

Read more
Answered on 10/03/05, 8:13 pm
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: arrested for shoplifting

No one can tell you whether or not you will win at trial. If you are not represented by an attorney you should retain an attorney immediately. Most stores have security camera's which are used to follow suspected shoplifters. The security camera is video taped. You should get a copy of that and review it with your attorney.

Read more
Answered on 9/30/05, 12:11 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in California