Legal Question in Criminal Law in Oregon

retail theft

I was recently approached by my employer. The loss prevention team at my retail job sat me down and said that I better confess to stealing furniture from the store. They said they had me on video tape taking furniture out of the store. They said that two people that I was suspected of conspiring with to steal these items had already made statements against me that I was the main player in this theft scheme.

In reality, I was edged on by these other people who had been stealing from the company long before I began working at the company. They promised me ''it was safe'' and that I wouldn't get caught. I am young and naive and unadvised and made a statement admitting to a part in the theft.

The store promised me that it was the others they were really after and, if I cooperated, they would go easy on me. Unfortunately, I suspect, they were just trying to get me to tell on myself. They succeeded.

After I gave a statement of my part in the theft, they called the police. I was issued a citation to appear to face the crimes. A charge of theft 1 and theft by receiving.

I made a mistake. It's my first offense. I'm young and don't want to have a criminal record for the rest of my life. What can I do?


Asked on 10/29/02, 12:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
J. William Savage Rieke & Savage, P.C.

Re: retail theft

You cannot and should not try to handle this yourself. Any theft charge / conviction can carry lifelong consequences for you. You need to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to understand what you can and need to do. If you are indigent, without funds to retain an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you. There may be a requirement to repay the cost of court-appointed counsel. Whether you retain private counsel or get a court-appointed attorney, DO NOT SAY ANYTHING FURTHER TO ANYONE ABOUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF YOUR CASE OR THE ACTS INVOLVED, EXCEPT FOR AN ATTORNEY WHO REPRESENTS YOU. Anything you say will be used against you. You cannot take back what has already been said, but do not make your case any more difficult than it already is.

You are welcome to contact me if you choose to do so; however, whether you call me or someone else to represent you, do not talk to anyone or try to handle this yourself without an attorney assisting you.

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Answered on 10/29/02, 1:35 pm


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