Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia
How can someone be charged with shoplifting if the person never left the store and the merchandise that they said was taken, was never found anywhere?
2 Answers from Attorneys
If the accused was seen attempting to conceal the merchandise on his person and later disposed of it somewhere inside the store where it could not be found that might explain it.
Concealment under Virginia law is the equivalent of shoplifting. However, if no unpaid merchandise was ever found on the person, in the store and before leaving, there is no "evidence", per se, of the crime. And, if the store has a tape of the accused concealing merchandise, and later abandoning it in the store, the charge cannot be proven or the intent behind it.
Raymond Kline
211 North Union St., No. 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(other locations in Manassas, Fairfax, McLean, Tysons Corner, and Reston)
703-836-7047/cell phone-703-966-6917
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