Walk It Through: The Accusation at the Store
A security guard's stop, a bag check, being told to leave, and a misdemeanor charge.
A store security guard stops a shopper at the exit and says they saw an item taken.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A small shoplifting accusation. Felony theft amounts, a civil demand letter from the store, and clearing the record afterward are on their own pages.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Probable causeThe ground an officer needs to arrest for a felony without a warrant, and the ground a search warrant issues on, supported by an affidavit.
- Search warrantA court order issued on probable cause and an affidavit that particularly describes the property and the place to be searched.
- DwellingA building used or normally used by a person for sleeping, living or lodging, which raises trespass and burglary.
- Enter or remain unlawfullyBeing in or on premises without license, invitation or privilege; someone in a place open to the public is there lawfully unless they defy a lawful order to leave given to them personally.
- Purple paint marksVertical purple marks at least eight inches long and one inch wide on trees or posts, which post land against entry the way signs do.
- ViolationAn offense below a misdemeanor, punished by up to 30 days in the county jail and a fine of no more than $200.
- FelonyAn offense for which a sentence of imprisonment of more than one year is authorized. Felonies are Class A, B, C or D.