If i'm with my friend who is stealing from the mall will i get in trouble even if i dont steal anything? And if so, what consequences are there?
2007-08-01 17:27:54 · 10 answers · asked by mandy 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If you are carrying the merchandise or anything that wasnt paid for-yes.
But if you are just walking beside them, and they gets caught, then you shouldnt.
But they could get you for knowing about it.
I wouldnt go with them for the mall.
2007-08-01 17:34:23 · answer #1 · answered by PAYlURTACK* 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you witness a person stealing, whether they are friend or not, relative or not, you have a civic legal responsibility to report that crime to the authorities.
If you fail to dos , you can be charged with being an accessory after the fact to the crime.
In all probability the penalty for you will not be more severe than the crook who did the stealing.
Maybe you can get to share the same jail cell, and beat up your friend regularly for getting you there, or just enjoy your friend's company, since there's not much else to enjoy when you are in jail.
2007-08-02 00:42:51 · answer #2 · answered by Al Mac Wheel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is called guilt by association. If you were with him/her when they stole the merchandise, they can call you an accessory to a crime and claim that you tried to help hide him from cameras, or distract employees. Believe me, it has happened to my friends. The best thing to do, if you know your friend is going to steal, is to not be with your friend when they do it.
You can be charged just as if you were the one stealing - a basic shoplifting charge, if you don't have a criminal record, is basically a slap on the wrist - but it's your parents that you will have to deal with that usually hurts the most. And, if you are over 18 (which I *don't* think you are) it goes on your record and will show up anytime you try to get a job - and no one wants to hire a thief.
2007-08-02 00:38:22 · answer #3 · answered by MITB420 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Italy (and i think in USA too) you might be considered either accomplice of the thief, or at least guilty if you don't tell the police what you've seen (if you witness a crime, you are compelled to inform the police).
You might be innocent if you proved that your friend suddenly decided to steal, without telling you before...
This is the theory. But i must say it's usually quite difficult to demonstrate innocence, in such situation.
I don't know the consequences in USA, i suppose they might be both jail and money to pay, but i know our (Italian) system is a little different from yours, in the consequences, so i don't say anything about this...
2007-08-02 00:57:18 · answer #4 · answered by Daniele 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do believe you could get in trouble to if she steals and you are with her. Go ask your local police department what the consequences are. Here is a piece of advise. Stay away from this friend of yours.
2007-08-02 00:36:41 · answer #5 · answered by s l 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are an accessory after the fact (and maybe before if she keeps on stealing), and you can get in trouble.
Your "friend" has a problem, and if you don't want to get in trouble, too, talk her out of stealing or don't hang out with her. Guilt by association (in people's minds) is difficult to overcome.
2007-08-02 00:42:16 · answer #6 · answered by Pete S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this may suck, but YES you can and will most deffinetley get in trouble if your friend is stealing and your with them. The consequences are if you are under the age of 17 you will have to pay a big fine and go to court but if you are over that age then you will go to juvi.
2007-08-02 00:37:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You won't get in trouble unless they see you on camera being a look out for them. You have to be involved in some way, they can't bust you just because you're there with the person.
I helped out security in a department store in the mall. If the shoplifter confesses to stealing and gives back the merchandise, I've seen them let them go...especially teenagers. I don't agree with it, but it happened. It was something small like fashion jewelry, but still...that's not the point. She still shoplifted and if that was my daughter, I would like them to give her a scare instead of slapping her hand.
2007-08-02 00:35:24 · answer #8 · answered by Due Feb 25th with a girl! 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends, did you encourage or help in the stealing? If so you may be an accomplice and can be found guilty of stealing even though you weren't the one who did it. If you just knew about it and did nothing to stop it or help it, then you are probably OK... well, OK legally speaking.
2007-08-02 00:33:29 · answer #9 · answered by dax2234 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you will be charged also. You will be listed as an accomplice. This happened to my step-son. He had to go to a special class to keep it off his record.
2007-08-02 00:35:40 · answer #10 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋