Not too long ago I “overheard” a conversation on social media about an accidental shoplifting.
The story ran something like this: a busy momma with little ones had a cart overflowing with groceries and other items at a large retailer. She distractedly went through the checkout.
Unfortunately she started to leave this store with an unpaid item on the rack beneath her cart. Security stopped her and checked her receipt. She profusely apologized and offered to pay for the item. Security still called the store manager who made her wait for the police.
She was treated like a criminal in front of her children for an honest mistake.
Her very irate husband published a letter to this retailer on social media. I can’t fact check any of their story. However, it’s a personal phobia of mine. I often check receipts after shopping to make sure items were charged.
Accidental shoplifting is an easy crime to commit!
What about you?
Ever take a call on your cell while the cashier is ringing up your items? Or have your child asking you a whole list of questions during the process? Rush hour (4-6pm) at the grocery store and long lines equal stress, too.
More than ever, we function on “overload” setting in daily life. Sometimes this results in an accidental felony!
Retailers undeniably face a genuine epidemic of shoplifting. According to a Time.com article, stores lost 48.9 billion dollars of inventory in 2016!
Of this amount, almost 37% of this loss was due to customer shoplifting. Employee theft accounted for 30% of the lost inventory. However, accidental shoplifting cannot be ruled out!
http://time.com/money/4829684/shoplifting-fraud-retail-survey/
If you shop at Walmart, be especially careful to avoid accidental shoplifting. They’ve adopted their own interesting twist in dealing with shoplifting in Joplin, Missouri.
If you accidentally walk out (never mind that the cashier should also be held partially responsible) with an unpaid package of water bottles under your cart, this could cost you $400 plus time.
Meet Walmart’s “Restorative Justice Program”!
According to The Joplin Globe, this program is designed to cut down on frequent calls to the police.
However, it only applies to those with a clean record. Welcome, accidental shoplifter!
You have the choice of paying $400 and completing an online course. Said course surely restores your brain cells from accidental shoplifting mode!
Fail to complete the course? Fail to pay in full? Walmart reports you to the police!
Don’t care for this option?
Walmart calls the police and files a report. You will need to show up in court.
In Missouri, shoplifting items under a $500 value is considered a Class A Misdemeanor — punishable by possible jail time and fines.
Unfortunately, unless you fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed in court, you will end up with a misdemeanor on your record.
True, you may qualify to get your record expunged. Expungement for a misdemeanor now only requires a three year wait from the completion of your sentence, parole, or probation. http://old.steimel-law.com/blog/get-your-legal-record-expunged/
Starting 2018 with any shoplifting charges? A misdemeanor or especially a felony charge (items over $500) radically changes your life! You need experienced, aggressive legal help TODAY.
At the Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC, you can pursue your best options for your future! Call 636-244-3737 to get your free initial consultation today.
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