Legal Question in Discrimination Law in California
Accused of shop lifting
Witout going int too much detail, I was recently accused of shoplifting and told to open my purse and coat in front of several other customers in a large retail chain pharmacy. It was very humiliatingl.. Do I have a case? and if so, what type of attorney would i contact to represent me
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Accused of shop lifting
I don't have enough facts to answer.
If you were not, in fact, shoplifting, a lot depends on how the (I assume) security guards handled it.
Usually, you are not in front of other people when you are searched.
Please e-mail, or call, my office with more details, and I'll do my best to give you a comprehensive answer.
Re: Accused of shop lifting
Your answer depends on whether you were caught during the act, or it was a false arrest. Shops have a limited privelege to hold and question patrons, on a reasonable suspicion of theft and for a reasonable amount of time. Once the hold exceeds certain threshholds, the hold and questioning turns into a false arrest case, subject to certain exceptions ofcourse. I will be happy to discuss the matter in the privacy of my office. There is also an article on my website regarding shoplifting.
Sincerely
Allen Farshi, Esq.