Walk It Through: The Receipt at the Door
A store alarm, a bag not paid for, an arrest on a witness's word, and a charge that turns on $1,500.
At a mall in Christiana, a shopper's bag sets off the alarm at the door. A store employee says she saw items go into the bag.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A single shoplifting stop at one store. A store's own civil demand, organized retail crime and theft from an employer are not worked through here.
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.
- Physical injuryThe harm that makes assault in the third degree, a class A misdemeanor, and with a deadly weapon or a victim 62 or older, the second degree.
- Search warrantA judge's written authority to search a described place for described things, on sworn facts showing probable cause.
- SummonsA written order to appear in court an officer may give instead of arresting for a misdemeanor. Wilfully failing to appear can bring up to $100 or 30 days.
- ShopliftingTaking, concealing or relabeling store goods intending not to pay. It is a felony at $1,500 or more.