Don't plead guilty! I agree! You should see an experienced attorney right away and let him analyze the situation and plan your best strategy. The D.A. could possibly file a charge against you thinking that you had some involvement in the friend's crime, and that is why you need good advice from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/2/2011

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One can still be charged with shoplifting under the theory of Aiding and Abetting. If you knew the person intended to commit the shop lifting and you acted in some way to facilitate, promote or encourage the person in committing the crime. Another possible way would fall under "conspiracy" but based upon your question this may not be appropriate ... Conspiracy requires that you entered into an agreement with the person who committed the crime and that based upon the agreement there was an overt act (steps taken to achieve the crime). This is a general over view of the law where the prosecutor could use the above theories to implicate you in the crime. It is important that you talk to an attorney and let him look at the police report to give you the proper advise.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/31/2011

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You should call around and hire one! You particularly need an attorney if your friend was the one shoplifting. Your reputation and criminal record are at risk.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/31/2011

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As you say you are in need of a good attorney. You are probably being charged on the theory that you aided and abetted your friend in some manner, perhaps by being a lookout.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/31/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Yes you can. Don't be surprised if the security guard's report says something like, "The friend was acting suspiciously and appeared to be a lookout". It is called "aiding and abetting". Retain an attorney in the area where the court is located. Ignore all of the "jail mail" you get.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/31/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

You need to get a consultation with an attorney because what can be done is very fact specific. Without knowing more details it's impossible to know if the case can be dismissed on the facts. If not and you have to get an offer you should ask your attorney if it would help get a better offer if you went to shoplifter's anonymous. Some counties will offer you a deferred judgment program where you can complete requirements and upon completion you get a dismissal. Since if depends on the county your case is in and the facts.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/30/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

You can be charged with anything the DA wants to charge you with, but that doesn’t mean that you’re guilty of it. They have to prove to a jury that you committed a theft, or that you helped your friend steal. You should talk to a few lawyers and find one that you like. This is the sort of case that needs to be fought.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/30/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

A reduction or a dismissal would be the goal of an attorney. Remember that petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, so if you have it on your record, you will not likely gain any meaningful employment for the next 10 plus years.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 8/30/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.