At an electronics retail store, purchased a computer bag, wanted to know how it would fit 2 small computers, placed 2 iPods (enclosed in a plastic theft proof prevention box, which is about the same size as a small computer) which I was going to purchase in the 1st place, went to the sales associate to ask if they had the iPods in black (which took them forever to comeback), they said 'No.', I walked back over to where I left the cart, placed an iPod that I was looking at back on the shelf (totally forgot about the other two in the bag), went to purchase the bag, walked outside, and their loss prevention staff stopped me and told me what had happened. I admitted nothing. I had enough funds in my gift certificate to purchase it all. Very embarassing, am a major contributor to the community, own a mortgage lending company, have a party rental company, and have an e-commerse business. I could lose it all if I don't wipe this off. I plan to plea not guilty, & hopefully appeal to the jury.
2006-08-22 08:19:55 · 6 answers · asked by Johnson 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Presenting the case would be the route to go. When you enter a plea bargain, you are basically admitting your guilt.
2006-08-22 08:29:15 · answer #1 · answered by ajd1bmf 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get an attorney. Hopefully one that you get a good recommendation for. Would you rather pay a couple thousand bucks, or go live in a prison? A good attorney is worth any price if they keep out of jail.
As for how i would procede, i would attempt to plea bargain down to a misdemener (sp?). If the facts are as you state (which sound fishy, i doubt a jury would give you the benefit of the doubt, but i don't know what the state has) and the store is ok with it, the S.A. will probably go along with some community service. Since you did technically break the law, that would be a pretty good break.
2006-08-22 12:45:03 · answer #2 · answered by blah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your appeal to the jury might be the best way to go; but you might find out of the DA is willing to let you plea to something very minor in lieu of the fight.
By the way if you decide the jury route is the way to go I would recommend the best defense attorney in the area; don't skimp on an attorney - get the best you can afford. Also to win you will need to offer up your non criminal history - and it needs to be 100% clean for if you bring it up - the DA can bring up anything that is there.
2006-08-22 08:30:24 · answer #3 · answered by netjr 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you need is an attorney, not a lot of unqualified responses from general public.
It seems odd to me that they knew you had items in your bag that you purchased but still ignored the fact until you were through the door. At many places, they will open the bag to make sure there are nothing hidden in there before they ring the item up.
It is further odd that they are prosecuting you when it was an honest mistake. (taking your words at face value)
My recommendation is for you to retain an attorney and work with his/her guidance. Answers here mean nothing.
2006-08-22 08:30:34 · answer #4 · answered by tkquestion 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hard to believe that story big guy. Maybe I'm wrong, but you just thought you could get away with it, and now you're using the "I'm a good guy in the community" angle. The Enron people were "good guys in the community". Martha Stewart was a "good guy in the community".
Admit your guilt, and seek some counseling. In other words, stop making excuses and own it.
Good luck to you in the future.
2006-08-25 10:27:22 · answer #5 · answered by jmiller 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best defense is one that I suspect you won't seek. It is that you should not try to defend yourself in a matter as important as the one you describe. An attorney may be expensive, but you may well get to the end of your solo case and have more anger and frustration than you do now, and it could get worse.
2006-08-22 08:32:06 · answer #6 · answered by nothing 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋