Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

shoplifting

While under very high personal stress the past several weeks (burglary, car theft, husband acknowledges he is bisexual) and day of incidence friends son was killed by father, I was in Safeway shoplifted first time in life (things i didnt need or want) Ex: beef and i am a vegitarian. Anyways I was caught when leaving store and arrested. When I left the store the store refused to let me bring with my the groceries I actually purchased. I go to court tomorrow to enter a plea - which I intend on entering not guilty. Need to know what defense I can use and do I need to hire an attorney for when I actually go to trial. I dont know if it was just a situation because of all the high stress I have been under the past several weeks if I just snapped (glad this was only a theft situation if this was the case) Not sure where to turn at this point.


Asked on 10/23/02, 4:39 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: shoplifting

Either retain an attorney or apply for a court-appointed attorney. There are too many issues in cases such as yours to represent yourself.

You may have a defense relating to severe stress; however, such a defense will require expert testimony. If it is well established, a prosecutor is not likely to take the matter to trial.

You may be eligible to participate in alternatives to prosecution - diversion programs and out-of-court settlements such as "Compromise of Misdemeanor".

The items you purchased should have been returned to you. You may have a claim against the store for the value of those items.

Be advised that the store can keep the items you attempted to steal and file a civil action against you for the value of the item plus a penalty of up to $200. And they get to keep those items.

Plead not guilty and get an attorney.

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Answered on 10/23/02, 5:10 am


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