A South Carolina man was detained and criminally charged following a recent incident at a local retailer. According to reports, he was arrested for allegedly attempting to shoplift a pair of jeans. As per the laws of the state, this individual has the right to a criminal defense to fight the charge and seek the best outcome for his circumstances.
The 19-year-old male was at Dillard’s department store trying on jeans when a security employee felt he was acting suspiciously. Per store protocol, police were contacted in order to investigate the situation. When law enforcement officers arrived, the accused reportedly undressed his lower half in the middle of the store. Police claim the pants he removed from himself were stolen. Tags for the jeans, which were valued at nearly $230, were reportedly found in one of the dressing rooms.
The accused was taken into custody shortly after authorities arrived and has been charged with shoplifting. Shoplifting can be either a misdemeanor or felony offense, depending on the value of the item taken. In this case, the charge would be a misdemeanor, which is punishable up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Shoplifting may not seem like a serious offense, but it is not something that retailers or the state of South Carolina takes lightly. This individual, if convicted, could face penalties that can affect all aspects of his life. With the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, the accused will be able to question the evidence offered in this case which could bring information to light that could help him fight his case in court.
Source: myrtlebeachonline.com, “Man strips down to underwear to avoid shoplifting charge“, Emily Weaver, March 12, 2017