Son caught shop lifting

[Unregistered]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

You are getting some really odd advice.

As a criminal defence lawyer who has her own firm I can tell you that there is no need to panic yet.

The first hearing is when the issues are set out on a case management form. In you sons case the issue is "did not steal juice"

He has already been iv'd and given his account. This is the issue in his case.

The matter is then set down for trial. You will have plenty of time to go through the CCTV and I would screen print the relevant parts and present these as stills.

I woukd complete a defebce case statement and set down all the material you require - shop inventory (can the shop keeper establish juice was stolen??).

I would also start gathering character witnesses - people who are willing to come to Court and state how honest and trustworthy he is.

Just chose a good local solicitor - seek recommendations - and he will qualify for legal aid so complete these forms. Excellent defence solicitors do work on legal aid so don't pay privately (unless you want an exclusive service).

[Openlaw15]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

You are getting some really odd advice.

As a criminal defence lawyer who has her own firm I can tell you that there is no need to panic yet.

The first hearing is when the issues are set out on a case management form. In you sons case the issue is "did not steal juice"

He has already been iv'd and given his account. This is the issue in his case.

The matter is then set down for trial. You will have plenty of time to go through the CCTV and I would screen print the relevant parts and present these as stills.

I woukd complete a defebce case statement and set down all the material you require - shop inventory (can the shop keeper establish juice was stolen??).

I would also start gathering character witnesses - people who are willing to come to Court and state how honest and trustworthy he is.

Just chose a good local solicitor - seek recommendations - and he will qualify for legal aid so complete these forms. Excellent defence solicitors do work on legal aid so don't pay privately (unless you want an exclusive service).

If her son was given excellent legal advice in the first place Vicky would not be on this site asking for help.

[Vicky7211]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

thank you for that. i have wanted to get hold of the cctv footage how do i go about this? I believe we can indeed take stills and this is whats needed in his defense. The footage its self is not enough to see that he had nothing in his hand at the time however blown up it wil be easy to see 'nothing' was in his hand. From what ive read the statistics show that very few come out of court with a not guilty verdict on shop lifting offences and the courts just want an easy solution especially when there is a shop keeper adamant that the justice system brushes of petty thefts and takes his gripes to the local press. He is being used as a pawn in the game between the police and the shop keeper. I fear he will be used as an example to shut everyone up.

[Vicky7211]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

If her son was given excellent legal advice in the first place Vicky would not be on this site asking for help.

i have appreciated all your advice today and you've made me look at it from a different angle many thanks to you

[Openlaw15]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

thank you for that. i have wanted to get hold of the cctv footage how do i go about this? I believe we can indeed take stills and this is whats needed in his defense. The footage its self is not enough to see that he had nothing in his hand at the time however blown up it wil be easy to see 'nothing' was in his hand. From what ive read the statistics show that very few come out of court with a not guilty verdict on shop lifting offences and the courts just want an easy solution especially when there is a shop keeper adamant that the justice system brushes of petty thefts and takes his gripes to the local press. He is being used as a pawn in the game between the police and the shop keeper. I fear he will be used as an example to shut everyone up.

Your son can call the shop-keeper as a key witness. "I would like to take you back to the events in your store that day, if i may. " Can you please tell this court the conversation that we had? Do you recall me asking specific questions about the juice? Is it fair to say that my questions were inclined to suggest I was interested in purchasing the juice. Have you ever known me to steal from your store before?" Then your son could ask for the prosecution to disclose its evidence to, ie the CCTV footage, too.

I still think you could ask for the charges to be dropped.

[wales01man]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

Openlaw I think the son will be nervous enough without advising him to be his own advocate asking questions to avoid being convicted I think a Solicitor is advisable I can see this ending with a conditional discharge or an acquittal its a stupid case and waste of courts time iMO But that's our legal system

[Openlaw15]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

Openlaw I think the son will be nervous enough without advising him to be his own advocate asking questions to avoid being convicted I think a Solicitor is advisable I can see this ending with a conditional discharge or an acquittal its a stupid case and waste of courts time iMO But that's our legal system

I meant the son's lawyer, not a 15 year old in court. i was merely showing Vicky from the son's position what type of questions would be useful. I would not let the lawyer just say what they want, Vicky will be paying for their services so she can instruct the lawyer or listen to their advice. I can see this ending with an acquittal of all charges because the kid has done nothing wrong. Any other outcome is just not acceptable and is incompetent on the strengths of his case!

[Vicky7211]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

Thought id update this thread.
"No further action" was the official outcome which we were satisfied with. My boy has now been the army foundation college in Harrogate for 8 weeks and loving it.
Thank you to everyone who gave they're time and concern. I really would'nt have felt strong enough on my own.
Big thank you your all amazing people x

[paulajayne]

Re: Son caught shop lifting

Thank you for updating us.