Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

I am a 19 year old female living in the state of Maryland with a clean record, no offenses or tickets ever, not even as a juvenile. Me and a friend were recently caught shoplifting at Bonton. It was two items equaling $75.00. There was other merchandise from other stores that I had, however, I did not steal them, and cameras or something should prove that. They were stolen however by my friend and returned to the stores. We were taken to an office in Bonton where we were required to sign statements acknowledging: being banned from Bonton forever, being banned from the mall forever, and that two items worth $75.00 were stolen from Bonton. We were not asked to sign any statements or anything for the other stores, but the people from those stores were taken over to take the stuff back, when asked if they wanted our info, they declined. They took our information and let us leave. I was told I would get a court order in the mail. Will it only be for the items taken from Bonton? If it can be for the other stores too, can I fight it and ask for video evidence to prove that the items left the store not in my posession (wasn't even in my purse at that time)?. Should I get an attorney?

Asked on 2/17/11, 7:28 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

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Whether to have counsel depends on whether you are charged and then whether you feel comfortable that you know the law, rules of evidence, criminal procedure, witnesses, prosecutor, and judge well enough to risk having a criminal record and going to jail.

No one can prove her innocence, which is why verdicts are either guilty or not guilty. Cameras may or may not have recorded that what you did or did not do in other stores. The recordings may not have been saved, and regardless it would not be a defense, if you confessed to theft in Bonton.

Receipts should have indicated what was legitimately yours.

Answered on 2/17/11, 7:40 am

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Marc Snyder The Law Office of Marc G. Snyder

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Shoplifting in Maryland often carries a criminal charge as well as a need to make restitution to the location/store. In fact, some stores request restitution at 2x the value of the goods taken. I have clients who have come to me because they received a letter from the store requesting restitution but had not received anything from the Court or State's Attorney's Office.

Your best bet is to contact a qualified criminal defense lawyer who can look at your situation and explain your options to you. If you are eventually charged with a crime, your lawyer will be in position to deal with it right away.

If you would like to discuss your situation further, please call me T 410-653-0065 or visit my website at www.marcsnyderlaw.com.

Answered on 2/17/11, 10:20 am

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