Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Falsly Accused of stealing

I am student and studying in library. One day a student stopped me and accused me of stealing his charger. I did not do that and I told him I have not been in 3rd floor maybe for a year. He did not accept and today again stopped me for the same thing. He told me his girl friend saw me stealing his charger and he will call cops. I told him fine, obviously you did not see me. So, call your girl friend to meet face to face.

I want to know can police arrest me just based on his claim? How can I defend myself? If he continues stopping me what should I do?

Thanks a lot.


Asked on 5/20/09, 4:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Hanks Attorney Hanks, P.A.

Re: Falsly Accused of stealing

The police could not arrest you for theft. Because it was not a retail theft, the officer would have to have observed it, to arrest. The officer could take a report and send it to the State Attorney's office, to see if they will file a formal charge, for which you would not be arrested, but would receive a notice of a court date. To monitor if this happens, it would be wise to hire an attorney to periodically contact the State, and see if there is any nonarrest investigation, with your name on it, pending. If there is, then that attorney can relate your side of the accusation, since the police will not likely bother to contact you.

Mark Hanks

Attorney Hanks, P.A.

St. Petersburg, FL

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Answered on 5/20/09, 5:19 pm


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