Can I get in trouble for shopping with a friend who shoplifted?

Question

I was shopping at kohls with a friend, and she stole a $20 ring. We were looking at the rack of rings, trying them on, and goofing around. I didnt see any that I wanted to purchase, but I did see one that she would love. I handed her the box, and continued shopping. She hed told me before about how she shoplifts with her brother, but I didnt think anything of it. She said that we should shoplift for fun, but I told her that I wasnt going to do it. She was making fun shoplifting in general, so I thought that she was joking about doing it. I wasnt aware that she had taken the ring that I had handed her, and I was totally shocked when we were stopped by LP. All my stuff was gone through, and they let me go. She was arrested, but they said that I was free to go. My question is, can I get into trouble for being there with her, even though I didnt know that she was doing? Like a wrong place, worng time kind of thing.

Answer 1

This was a misdomeanor case and that is why they had let you go and you didn't steal nothing from the store, your friend did. But if it was a felony case, then they could take you in because you were there at the wrong time and place.

Answer 2

Once there are cops involved, you can get in trouble for anything. Wrong place, wrong time happens a lot. There was a wrongful conviction case last year, here in Illinois where a woman finally had her conviction for murder reversed because it turns out she had the perfect alibi. She was in prison at the time.

If you weren't arrested on the scene, you probably won't be. They decided you didn't know.

If you are ever detained by Police again; be polite, answer truthfully, don't volunteer information. And, if you are read your rights--immediately ask for an attorney, or--if you are a minor, a parent.

Cops know the rules. You don't. You need whatever help you can get to protect yourself. Most cops are conscientious, but some don't care. That kind will try to convict the first person they find, regardless of where the fault lies.

Answer 3

Perhaps not this time but let this be a lesson to you. Do not go to any store with anybody that you know is a shoplifter. If Kohl's had filmed you handing her the ring box with the ring in it, then of her putting the ring in her pocket, they would have arrested you right along with her as an accessory to theft. That is called Organized Theft and has higher penalties. Shoplifters have been known to drop merchandise into their children's pockets or purses of their innocent friends who accompany them. Remember, if you walk in slippery places, you are sure to slip.

Answer 4

You can only get in trouble if you also shoplifted something while you were with her. You can't get into trouble for just being there, it also depends on the person who spotted her since an member of the staff would tip off the LP. You only handed her the box, what she did after you handed her the box is her responsibility. She chose to do it, since she also could've chosen NOT to.

Answer 5

The answer is absolutely yes, you could get into trouble just by shopping with a friend who shoplifts.

First thing, you are with a friend, knowingly or unknowingly he/she would commit a crime of shoplifting is immaterial. Both of you can be question by the security of the place if they spotted either one of you shoplift some item(s) belonging to the store or a mall. Since your friend has the tenacity of shoplifting for fun, you should advice her that if anything happens I would certainly testify against you just to alarm him/her for possible repercussion of his/her action. So that he/she can back off on her/his evil plan, imagine dragging you along with this kind of fun thing.

Just like what happen to you, all your things will be scrutize carefully, it is like scanning every pin in your wallet or bag if they belong to the store. Imagine this scandalous escapade your friend brought to you, good thing no news reporter is present when that happen to you. I had one friend once who told me this also that he would steal one item, I am not sure if he would deliverately do it, but I beg him not too, but as we walk along the grocery which is so big, I began to distance myself to him, but kept on watching him if he would dare to steal or not. Because if I see him toke one item and put it in his shirt, I would tell him to take it back or I will call the police, luckily he is just kidding around. The moral of the story? CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS when shopping.

Answer 6

Yes. You can still get charged, especially if it is caught on camera you handing her the ring. It will look like the two of you were in on it. A city attorney will review the information and decide whether or not you will be charged as well.

You can get charged with aiding in a crime. Depending on your local laws it will probably be a petty misdemeanor or a misdemeanor.

Answer 7

Its a hard call, you did give her the ring so that is the first issue that will come up. It also depends when she concealed the ring. If the store didn't hold you, then more than likely you are not going to be prosecuted. Though you need to be more carfeul with who you shop with.

Answer 8

Most definitely. You could be charged as an accomplice, even though you had no part in the actual shoplifting.

Answer 9

Guilt by association Find a new friend she told you what she had been doing better listen next time.Your lucky.You could of been arrested?If they had seen you give her the ring or she says you gave her the ring it might not be over yet.

Answer 10

Yes, you could get into trouble, especially because you handed her the ring and there may be a PERCEPTION that you were also involved.
That's the problem with being with friends when they do illegal things, it gets associated with you.