Asked in Criminal Law for Minnesota

Q: If you get caught shoplifting at Walmart can they check security cameras from prior visits to see if you were

shoplifting then, and charge you for those incidents.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Licensed in Minnesota

A: I'm not an expert on Walmart security and loss prevention practices. It seems reasonable to assume that they don't keep massive video files of the store for years. Days? Weeks? I don't know. But if they have the video still, that would allow them to use it, right? I'm not sure whether simply video evidence would be enough to charge someone though. To have a solid case, they should have some other, corroborating evidence. In the end, the specific facts of an actual situation would be needed.

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