Legal Question in Criminal Law in South Carolina

My daughter owns a small business and caught two shoplifters today leaving the store with a bag of goods. The police were called and one was arrested. She wants to post photos of them on her store bulletin board for others to see. I told her that may not be legal. She lives in South Carolina.


Asked on 1/26/12, 9:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Johnston Law Offices of Robert J. Johnston

Its not a good idea. Remember that everyone who is arrested is "presumed innocent." That is the law. The person arrested still will have a chance for their day in court. I'm sure you have noticed on TV and in the newspapers that when they report on someone having been arrested for a particular crime, they will always use words such as "alleged," "accused," "allegedly" "suspected of," etc. That is because the person has not yet been found guilty and are presumed innocent. You do not want to take a chance of being sued. Its not a perfect legal system. Sometimes guilty people get away with crimes and are not convicted. I would not recommend doing such a thing while a person is still "presumed innocent."

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Answered on 1/28/12, 11:11 am


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