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Arrested for switching tags

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MaiTai

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? CA
I was arrested for purchasing a purse that I had switched the price tag on, original price $44.97 price I switched $14.97. I had no idea that price switching was a crime. The store’s loss prevention agent placed me under citizens arrested, said she saw me switching tags. I asked to see the video, but was told that it was confidential. I purchased about $300.00 worth of merchandise; the purse was the only tag I switched. When the loss prevention agent informed me that I could not step foot in their store for two years, I asked that the purchases I had just made be return, which they did, my credit card was credited the full amount. The police were called and I was booked and given a citation for petty theft. My court date is April 4th. Do you think I should consult an attorney or should I appear before the court alone and plead guilty?
 


Scrutinizer

Junior Member
Theft can be either "grand theft" or "petty theft," depending on the value of what was stolen and other facts. Petty theft is a misdemeanor, penalties can include jail or fines, and other penalties.
 

enjay

Member
MaiTai said:
What is the name of your state? CA
I was arrested for purchasing a purse that I had switched the price tag on, original price $44.97 price I switched $14.97. I had no idea that price switching was a crime.

Unless you are an idiot, you knew what you were doing was wrong. You were stealing and you were caught.

Get a lawyer and see if he can arrange a pretrial diversion. A theft conviction will hurt your future job prospects.
 

HomeGuru

Senior Member
MaiTai said:
What is the name of your state? CA
Do you think I should consult an attorney or should I appear before the court alone and plead guilty?

**A: no, no, no, go it alone and plead insanity.
 

I AM ALWAYS LIABLE

Senior Member
MaiTai said:
What is the name of your state? CA
I was arrested for purchasing a purse that I had switched the price tag on, original price $44.97 price I switched $14.97. I had no idea that price switching was a crime. Do you think I should consult an attorney or should I appear before the court alone and plead guilty?

My response:

Congratulations!

Your initial post was copied and just became a Runner-Up in our end-of-the-year, "Most Stupid Post" contest, being held on December 15, 2005 and the winner will be chosen by popular vote on that date!

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Here's a list of the finalists of the 2004 "Most Stupid Post" contest so that you can compare yours to the "competition". Just click on this link: https://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?t=204109 and have a chuckle or two while reading! NUMBER SIX was our GRAND PRIZE WINNER!

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IAAL
 
S

seniorjudge

Guest
MaiTai said:
What is the name of your state? CA
I was arrested for purchasing a purse that I had switched the price tag on, original price $44.97 price I switched $14.97. I had no idea that price switching was a crime. The store’s loss prevention agent placed me under citizens arrested, said she saw me switching tags. I asked to see the video, but was told that it was confidential. I purchased about $300.00 worth of merchandise; the purse was the only tag I switched. When the loss prevention agent informed me that I could not step foot in their store for two years, I asked that the purchases I had just made be return, which they did, my credit card was credited the full amount. The police were called and I was booked and given a citation for petty theft. My court date is April 4th. Do you think I should consult an attorney or should I appear before the court alone and plead guilty?
https://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?p=839424#post839424

standard shoplifting answer

Be prepared for your shoplifting conviction to hinder your job opportunities.

There are thousands of questions similar to yours on this forum.

Stand by; others may have advice also.
 

MaiTai

Junior Member
I had actually hoped to get legal advice for the situation I have put myself in. I truly am an idiot for thinking that free legal advice exists!!!
With all the support I know I’ll be the grand prize winner.
 
S

seniorjudge

Guest
Q: I had actually hoped to get legal advice for the situation I have put myself in.

A: Standard answer

Here are some hints on appearing in court:

Dress professionally in clean clothes.

Do not wear message shirts.

Don't chew gum, smoke, or eat.

Bathe and wash your hair.

Go to court beforehand some day before you actually have to go to watch how things go.

Speak politely and deferentially. If you argue or dispute something, do it professionally and without emotion.

Ask the court clerk who you talk to about a diversion (meaning you want to plead to a different, lesser charge), if applicable in your situation.


Here are five stories that criminal court judges hear the most (and I suggest you do not use them or variations of them):

1. I’ve been saved! (This is not religion specific; folks from all kinds of religious backgrounds use this one.)

2. My girlfriend/mother/sister/daughter is pregnant/sick/dying/dead/crippled and needs my help.

3. I’ve got a job in [name a state five hundred miles away].

4. This is the first time I ever did this.

5. You’ve got the wrong guy. (A variation of this one is the phantom defendant story: “It wasn’t me driving, it was a hitchhiker I picked up. He wrecked the car, drug me behind the wheel then took off.”)

https://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?p=854687#post854687

Other people may give you other advice; stand by.
 

Heather2

Member
MaiTai said:
I had actually hoped to get legal advice for the situation I have put myself in. I truly am an idiot for thinking that free legal advice exists!!!
With all the support I know I’ll be the grand prize winner.
You only asked one question. Of coarse you should get a lawyer if you want the best outcome.
 
S

seniorjudge

Guest
MaiTai said:
What is the name of your state? CA
I was arrested for purchasing a purse that I had switched the price tag on, original price $44.97 price I switched $14.97. I had no idea that price switching was a crime. The store’s loss prevention agent placed me under citizens arrested, said she saw me switching tags. I asked to see the video, but was told that it was confidential. I purchased about $300.00 worth of merchandise; the purse was the only tag I switched. When the loss prevention agent informed me that I could not step foot in their store for two years, I asked that the purchases I had just made be return, which they did, my credit card was credited the full amount. The police were called and I was booked and given a citation for petty theft. My court date is April 4th. Do you think I should consult an attorney or should I appear before the court alone and plead guilty?
Q: Do you think I should consult an attorney or should I appear before the court alone and plead guilty?

A: Get lawyer.
 
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