Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

falsely accused

What if you are falsely accused of shoplifting? I never left the store and or floor and was holding the $20 item in my hand when I was detained. I had just purchased shoes that cost over $300 and was looking to buy more clothes as well as the earrings. The reason I paid for the shoes ,a the sales girl asked me if she could ring me up, she was trying to help other customers and was very busy and if I wanted the discount I need to purchase the items.

They made me sign papers and pay $500 and I was never given copies of papers. I had no idea as to what the papers said, they would not allow me to read them. They had three females, then two males in the room .I was frightened, they kept telling me to confess to stealing a $20 pair of earrings. I said I was holding them in my hand; I never left the store or floor. They said I had no intention of paying for the earrings, if I had I would have paid for them when purchased my shoes, I said I haven�t finished shopping. Please don�t tell me I should not have signed a paper prior to reading it; I am well aware I should not have signed anything. I should have asked them to call the police. I was scared and confused and have never been in trouble or even arrested. Due to the fact I signed t


Asked on 8/12/08, 3:39 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
James Kats James S. Kats, Esq.

Re: falsely accused

One way to fight these charges is find out if the store had surveillance cameras; if so, have your lawyer subpoena them to court to see what they show. The surveillance tapes may corroborate what you say

James S. Kats, Esq. [email protected]

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Answered on 8/14/08, 10:06 am
Gerald Cohen Cohen & Fitch, LLP

Re: falsely accused

Based on your description, you may have a viable claim against the store. However, in order to give you any meaningful evaluation, I would have to speak with you at length regarding the details. Please feel free to contact me directly.

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Answered on 8/12/08, 4:19 pm
Robert Evans Robert S. Evans esq.

Re: falsely accused

I'm not sure what your question really is. Since you were not arrested there appears to be no present issues. Often stores make alleged shoplifters sign a confession in order to scare them and to prevent them from entering the store again. I think this is the issue here. If however you get either arrested or summoned for a questioning by law enforcement then immediately call an experienced criminal defense attorney. Do not submit to interrogation without an attorney present. It appears you have a legal defense to shoplifting {petit larceny]. You may call my office @7188340087 for a free phone consultation.

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Answered on 8/12/08, 5:22 pm


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