Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

I was at a casino and had a little bit too much to drink before I had gotten there. When I walked up to play a machine I noticed a wallet and I picked it up and put it in my purse so I could take it to the desk, I don't know why I did that, it was just a bad judgement call. So then this lady came up and started yelling at me that it was her machine and where is my wallet and I panicked and said I'm sorry I didn't know this was your machine and she stormed off and I left the area and while I was walking around I thought oh my god, what am I going to do with her wallet. So I sat down at a machine and threw the wallet in the garbage can. I don't know why I did that either. I felt so stupid and embrassed by my behavior and getting so panicked that I didn't know what to do. I guess I was afraid that something might happen because of me being quite a bit tipsy. Then I was approached by a security guard that ask me to come with him so I did and then I was asked for my drivers license which I gave to them and I allowed them to search my purse. Instead of telling them what I did I just kept telling them that I didn't have the wallet. I thought if I told them what really happened they would'nt believe me anyway. So the lady said we will review the tapes and call me tomorrow and escorted me out of the casino. This happened early Saturday morning and then on Saturday evening I had a message from a police officer from Airway Heights wanting me to return his call which I did but no answer so I left a message with my number and name, but no one has called me back. I have been just sick over this whole mess. I don't have any type of criminal history. The last time I was in trouble was a speeding ticket on mothers day 3 years ago. I am a 60 year old grandmother and I would be so humiliated if my grand children or children were to find out that I was so stupid. I know I shouldn't have gone out there after I had drank a few drinks but I guess we all do stupid things when we drink. Anyway I just want to know if I should get a attorney or what. I can't sleep or eat and I am worried sick about this. Please help me any way you can with advice or direct me to someone that can help me.


Asked on 9/28/09, 4:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

First, don't speak with the police. They just want to know if you'll say something that will get yourself into trouble. I'm not sure that what you describe is anything illegal (as long as you didn't take cash or anything else out of the wallet before you threw it away). So, even if they have you on tape that may not matter. But they may not have you on tape. They will get those tapes and review them. If you are doing something illegal they will charge you with a crime and nothing you say to them will stop that. If you are not on the tape they will not charge you unless you give incriminating statements so ... don't talk to them. You could get a lawyer now to subpoena the tapes and see what other exculpatory (good) evidence can be preserved. Or you could wait and see if any charges are brought.

At your service,

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Answered on 10/05/09, 10:49 am


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