Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

I was brought into my campus police station for questioning on a shoplifting occurrence during family weekend of a year ago at my university. The showed me video recordings of me picking up a book off the shelf, and walking away with it. There is a 30-45 second lapse between camera angles where I am not visible, and then I am seen exiting the bookstore with a book in hand.

I told the police officer that it was a long time ago and that I don't remember every detail, but that someone approached me and asked if that book was for a specific class that they were interested in, I said yes it was, but I'm not sure if I want to buy it right now. I gave them the book, took my own book out of my backpack and walked out of the store.

I did not tell the officer anything else, and the interview ended. Do they have enough evidence to bring me to court?


Asked on 8/30/12, 4:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

You seem to believe the video is the only evidence the police have. I would bet heavily that it isn't. They probably have eyewitness accounts that say the book you carried out of the store was the same one you removed from the shelf and that you didn't pay for it. And I would not expect the police to believe your account -- especially if the book in your hands looks a lot like the one you were seen picking up.

Talking to the campus police was not wise. You made your situation worse instead of better. Next time get a lawyer and keep your mouth shut.

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Answered on 8/30/12, 5:29 pm


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