scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

[peggysue]

Hi everyone,
i wonder if someone could offer some advice please? Totally out of character I shoplifted some items from a shop and was unsurprisingly caught. I know it was incredibly stupid, I've never done anything like that before. Anyway the police were called and they questioned me in the security office. Im in my 30s and I have never been in trouble with the police before. They cautioned me and escorted me off the premises.
The police said they will send a report to the Procurator Fiscal who will decided how to proceed.
Can anyone offer advice on what I can expect to happen.

I know what I did was stupid & i feel awful about the who incident so please i don't need judgements just advice please. i am sick with worry about this.

[Amethyst]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

Hi, Don't worry there's no judgments on here. You have enough to deal with. As you are in Scotland the system is a little different to England so it isn't something I know about I'm afraid. I'm sure someone will though, but didn't want to read and run xx so Welcome to the forum xxx and try not to worry, everything is sortable.

[Amethyst]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

A couple of Googles might be helpful - http://www.justanswer.com/scottish-l...hoplifted.html - http://www.justanswer.com/uk-law/3kj...ting-went.html

Try a search on Procurator Fiscal shoplifting for some idea of others experiences ... just while we see if anyone else can help you xx

[peggysue]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

@ Amethyst - Thanks for quick replies. I have been googling for a while but hadn't come across those so I'll have a read.

[Kati]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

You might also find some answers here - http://www.copfs.gov.uk
COPFS - Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service - official website

[peggysue]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

Hello again sorry to ask another question.

I've been trying to find more info about this online and from what I've read seems to suggest that in order for me to be officially 'Cautioned' as in it is on my criminal record, that I must sign a document stating that I agree to the Caution. This didn't happen when I was questioned by police in the stores security office. One officers checked my name on the Police computer and asked questions about why i did it, have i ever done this before.
His partner returned and ask a few more questions. Before I was escorted out of building the 2nd officer said he was issuing a caution on the grounds of theft etc and did I understand & did I have anything to say. TBH I didn't take all of what he said in.

Does this mean that I have not been formally Cautioned yet? And that I must await the Prosecutor Fiscal's decision? Of course I know a caution is likely (Excuse my naivety I just don't fully understand the process)

Thanks again

[peggysue]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

Hi sorry to bump the tread. I just realised that I may have posted this thread in the wrong board. Would maybe be better if it were in the RLP board?
Id so, could someone tell how I go about getting it moved over please? I'm not sure which Team Member to message to request this; didn't want to bother someone unnecessarily Thank you

[Amethyst]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

I'll move it xx

[peggysue]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

Sorry of this is a little off topic but I wondered of someone with knowledge of Scottish police procedures would be able to answer a question? I was told by the officer who dealt with me at the store that they would submit their report to the Procurator Fiscal (PF) within 2 week. What I'm wondering is: Do the police notify my by letter that this has been done?
I'd presume that they would otherwise I wouldn't know case number should I need to contact the PF about it.
I spoke to a solicitor on the phone who advised that it could take as long as several months for PF to decide on what action to take. I forgot to ask him about the police sending me letter.

Also if anyone knows of a forum that offers help on Scottish Law id be grateful of the info. I really appreciate all the replies to my post but I know that Scottish law/procedures are likely to be different from the rest of UK.

Thanks

[des8]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

Here's a link to a very similar case to your own http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/...ht=#post524934

We didn't realise it was Scotland until near the end, but it may help you.

[mystery1]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

No letter. Section 136 of the criminal procedure act gives them 6 months to cite you, failing which any action should be met with no plea and asking for a diet of debate as the action is incompetent.

M1

[peggysue]

Re: scottish law help - police caution shoplifting

Thanks to you both for the quick replies. I had been googling but couldn't find a definitive answer. I've have another read over the thread you mention. And read up on section 136.