Legal Question in Criminal Law in Louisiana

I was arrested for shoplifting three weeks after the innocent. How far from the check out counter does one have to get before they are considered to be shoplifting? I was standing at the chekc out counter, the checker who was a girl that I had previously worked with and had a confrontative history with saw the magizine under the potting soil, but did not scan it. She started hollering shoplifter when I was standing at the end of the chekc out counter. I wasn't arrested for shoplifting at the time, the locals here waited three weeks then came to my house one night and picked me up and I had to spend three nights in jail. I went for arraignment the other day and they would not appoint me a lawyer because they said it was a misdemeanor. They said I would have to spend 60 days in jail. I need help, I have 4 children, live in a small trailer and can't afford to hire a lawyer.


Asked on 10/07/10, 8:57 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Martha Amanda Mandi Lucas Mandie Seale Lucas

If this is a first offense you will be given a suspended sentence and probation. If your actions suggest that you are shoplifting or attempting to you don't have to get out of the store. Mistakes are made but if you knew the magazine wasnt scanned-you could have made sure it was. If it was merely that you overlooked it, you can let the court know it was a mistake that you had the money fully intending to pay and that it was not concealed but in the basket. A clean record will also be persuasive.

Read more
Answered on 10/12/10, 5:55 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Louisiana