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shoplifting

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lara Ellis
  • Start date Start date

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L

Lara Ellis

Guest
Hello,
In October I was arrested for attempted shoplifting at a local store. I was not trying to take anything!
I was in a hurry and waiting for a prescription at the Pharmacy in the store. The prescription was taking a long time so I decided to get a soda while I waited. I told the Parmicist I would be right back and went to get the soda, the machine was just outside the front door. I had a few other items,none concealed, I was planning on buying with me. Unthinking I walked outside to get the soda thats when they arrested me. I tried to explain, to get the store manager to talk to the pharmasist check the store videio tape to see I did exactly what I said I did But they wouldn't do any of the things I asked. When I went to court I pled no contest because I couldn't afford the legal fees for a lawyer. At the time the DA read things in the store report that I did not say and did not happen, also the store manager and the Pharacist no longer work at that store so I couldn't talk to them.
Also the DA said if I pled no contest I would get deferred ajutication and if it went to trial that would no longer be an option.
Now the store is suing me in civil court for damages. I never intended to steal anything I even showed them the money in my wallet that I had gotten in thier store from an atm.
I have no record other than this and I want to keep it that way but I don't want to pay for their Damages when the whole thing was a mistake. Help I need some addvice on what my options are.
Thank you,
Lara Ellis
 


M

msattorney

Guest
Unfortunately a no contest plea in a criminal action does not preclude the bringing of a civil action. A no contest plea is not an innocent plea.Shoplifting is a big problem for many businesses and they will routinely bring a civil action.

You will need to defend your actions in the civil case. If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact your local bar assocaition to see if they have a referral list of attorneys who will help at reduced fees.
 

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