Trenton, NJ asked in Criminal Law for New Jersey

Q: I was arrested for shoplifting with no intent to steal, total misunderstanding. I didn't try to conceal anything.

It is my first ever arrest. I offered to pay five times and tried to show my receipt and the fact that there were items in my bag previous to me entering the store. Should I get a lawyer? They removed everything from my bag and says it stolen, they wouldn't verify the items or ring them up in front of me. I was forced to leave items behind and the police said I could only take what was paid for on camera. I in the store will over an hour. The police only watched a few minutes of tape. The number of items I paid for keeps changing. The police questioned me but said I was being dishonest. The security guard told police I only paid for a two items. They told my mom I only paid for five. They kept my receipt and gave the police the wrong receipt which was given to me at the station. Any suggestions?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • East Brunswick, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: Yes you definitely need an attorney. Obviously you've tried to explain this first to the store then to the police that's two people what makes you think that you would do any better with the third person the judge. Get yourself a good lawyer. Most of us shoplifting attorneys offer a free in office consultation I would suggest that you set one up to learn how and attorney can help you.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.