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Posts Tagged ‘Anger’

HELP! Caught shoplifting in California?

November 16th, 2011 3 comments

Before I write, I know I am going to be faced with a lot of prejudice and anger. First and foremost, know that I deeply regret this stupid decision, and it was my first time (I was careless because I knew it was wrong and still did it, but at the same time I just was so fed up for living in near poverty for so long).

I stole $80 of merchandise at JC Penney. They were on sale, so when I was caught, they marked it as the actual retail price which was $165. I slid the items into my purse and thought I was home free despite I was terrified. My boyfriend was with me and thought that I would make it out okay. We were caught by the door by the LP Agent who said, "You must come with me" and dragged us quite painfully to the detainment room.

There they questioned us if we did it, took our things, our identification, phone numbers, everything except our social security. Eventually we admitted our wrongs and returned everything, but because of our ages (24 and 23) they decided to prosecute under California Penal Code 490. We were not read our Miranda Rights. We signed some papers. One of them was the list of items that were stolen and we were going to pay for them, second was the ban of the premises for 6 months, and we are uncertain what the third paper was (if we did, we cannot remember as we were frozen in fear). We were arrested on the spot and taken to the police station despite we were cooperative and agreed to to the ban, apologized, returned the items in tact and unharmed, and agreed to their civil demand. The Police also did not read us our Miranda rights, and we were not interviewed. We had our photos and fingerprints taken and once we were cited, we were released. We were given a court date. We are unable to sleep and are frightened to death. We have never done anything like this before, and while many people said that admitting to the wrong doing was bad, we thought we were doing the right thing by admitting the guilt. We are literally riddled with grief with the fact this will damage our future careers because of a small, but frustrated, mistake.

Anymore facts include: The theft was in California, we were not interviewed or recorded by the Police, we were not kept in jail for more than an hour for them to book us, and insofar we’ve cooperated and showed great remorse for our actions. But we don’t know what to do now. We are told to consult a lawyer, but we have hardly any money to afford one (in fact, the theft was on the basis we hardly have money). We are going to seek a Public Defender, but we are unsure of how this will all cost.

If no priors, probably no jail time, a fine, and a short stint with probation (possibly informal).

As for your rights not being read: If you research miranda questions, either here or somewhere else, you’ll find that your rights only need to be read to you if you are in custody AND the police wish to interview you. That’s pretty much it in a nutshell. Everything else is television B.S.

As for all the paperwork at the store: That’s fairly common. They can pursue you civilly as well as prosecute you criminally. You can be charged with trespassing if you return to the store (and usually any other J.C Penny).

Before you vote, will you answer these questions?

February 28th, 2010 19 comments

What do you think about obama’s tax plan and being called selfish and unpatriotic if you are not willing to pay more taxes? What about the people who are not paying taxes and will receive a check (that comes out of taxpayers pockets?) What about the biased press and media – ACORN – his aunt here illegally (who will vote?) No birth certificate, health records, release of college thesis? What about his prediction that the coal industry will go bankrupt under him? What about Rev. Wright and other reputable friends/advisers? What about Joe the Plumber getting death threats for asking a simple question? About the McCain supporters getting kicked off Air Obama- the Florida anchorwoman? My son’s friend’s car which was keyed for having a McCain sticker? My other son’s friend who was punched for supporting McCain? Please answer these questions honestly and not in anger and I may vote for obama tomorrow.

Due to the uncertainty of Obama, I voted for McCain. I was a Hillary voter. I voted Republican across the board. Your question solidified my vote for McCain.