Imagine you are shopping with your toddler when they take an item without your knowledge. Employees confront you and accuse you of shoplifting as you leave the store. They find the item during a search. You explain your innocence, but the store insists on pressing charges. What should you do?
Stay calm and gather information
First, remain calm. Gather all the facts about the incident. Identify what your child took, determine the item’s value and review any evidence against you. In most cases, the store will drop the charges if you offer to pay for the item. If the store agrees, request a receipt or documentation to confirm an amicable resolution.
However, if the store is adamant about pressing charges, you must look beyond simple restitution.
Exercise your rights
You have the right to remain silent and to legal representation. After consulting a lawyer, you can provide statements to store personnel or law enforcement. It would be best if you also asked to see any evidence against you, such as surveillance footage.
Cooperate with authorities
While you should exercise your right to remain silent, you should cooperate with law enforcement by providing identification and other necessary information. This cooperation can sometimes lead to more favorable outcomes, such as dropped charges.
Address the incident
Explain the situation to the authorities, emphasizing that your toddler took the item without your knowledge. Most reasonable authorities will understand that this was not an intentional act of theft.
Consider seeking legal advice
Seeking advice from a defense attorney is essential for anyone facing such charges. They can guide the legal process, potential defenses and possible outcomes. They can also help you understand your rights and the best action.
Follow up on legal proceedings
Stay informed about the legal proceedings and meet all court dates and requirements. Follow court orders to avoid facing more penalties.
It can be overwhelming to face shoplifting charges because your toddler took something without your knowledge, but with the right help, you can face this charge head-on.