Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

concealment of merchandise

what is the maximum sentence(and/or most common) of this offense? it was so stupid of me and I am so scared.

And also does it mean anything that there were two male officers sent that patted me down and I was never even read my rights. I am female/20 years old, with no record at all,even driving.


Asked on 12/05/07, 11:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: concealment of merchandise

Concealment of merchandise in the Commonwealth is the equivalent of petty larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Many jurisdictions allow a first time offender to get off with an SIS(Suspended Imposition of Sentence)which means no jail and probation with conditions. At least one other, however,(Prince William Co.)now apparently requires all who are convicted of petty larceny in that jurisdiction to be sentenced to at least two days in the county jail.)

Failure to read Miranda rights will in no way prevent you from being convicted

on the charge and the fact that female officers were not available to pat you down is of no significance.

Better get a criminal defense counsel to represent you on this criminal charge or ask the court to appoint one to represent you if you cannot afford to hire such on your own.

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Answered on 12/06/07, 7:29 am


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