We all make mistakes. But what if those mistakes lead to criminal charges? What if you accidentally do something that results in a call to the police?
For example, say you go to the store just to do some browsing. You find a shirt that you like, but you want to keep looking around. You tuck it under your arm so that no one else buys it, and then you keep walking around the store.
Eventually, maybe it’s time to leave, or perhaps you want to use the restroom. Either way, you forget that the shirt is still under your arm. You accidentally walk out of the store or into the restroom with it still in your possession.
It is a simple mistake, but it could lead to allegations of attempted theft. If the store owner catches you, not only may they claim you tried to steal it, but they may also say that your story about how you forgot you were holding the shirt when you walked out is just an excuse. They may think you’re only making it up after the fact because you got caught.
In some cases, you can resolve a misunderstanding quickly. Maybe you can hand the shirt back and go about your day. However, this does not always work. You could get arrested. You could face significant charges and the threat of prosecution.
If that happens, it is crucial that you understand all of your legal defense options. That one oversight or mistake can change the rest of your life, and you need to know how to protect your future.