Shoplifting is a common occurrence, which is why store employees and security guards are trained to remain vigilant at all times. If you are accused of shoplifting, it’s natural to feel scared, agitated, and offended. To handle the situation quickly, below are a few steps to take before you reach out to a defense attorney to intervene.  

What Should You Do After Being Accused of Shoplifting?

1. Do Not Flee From or Confront Anyone

Leaving the scene after the accusation could be viewed by store personnel, security guards, and other customers as an acknowledgment of guilt. If security guards try to stop you from leaving, a serious altercation could occur if you resist, which could result in assault charges, too.

It’s best to go through the process and wait for the police to arrive. Tell the responding officer you want legal representation. Do not make any statements supporting or refuting the employees’ claims or sign any paperwork that could be used as an admission of guilt.  

2. Ask Why You Are Being Accused

Although being accused of a crime you didn’t commit is insulting, try to keep calm during the encounter with store employees and guards. Calmly ask the accuser why they believe you shoplifted. Based on what they say, there could be a logical explanation. For example, an employee might have forgotten to take the security tag off the merchandise during the transaction.

You can present your receipt and have the cashier corroborate your claims. If the reason for the accusation seems discriminatory, your defense attorney can bring this point to the prosecutor’s attention. 

3. Do Not Allow a Search

To prove your guilt or innocence, store employees might ask to search your person or bags. Whether you did or didn’t take the items in question, don’t comply with the search. Doing so could give the personnel justification to try and pressure you into letting them search your car and phone, too. Wait for the police to arrive, and they will conduct the investigation.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, Michael A. Newland Esquire in Hamilton, OH, will help. Since 1989, the defense attorney has helped clients throughout the Butler County area facing prosecution for both straightforward and complex offenses. Learn why you can trust the criminal attorney to handle your case online and dial (513) 887-9595 to arrange a consultation.