What to do if Iwas with someone who was caught shoplifting and now the cops won’t leave me alone?

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What to do if Iwas with someone who was caught shoplifting and now the cops won’t leave me alone?

I was with someone when they were caught shoplifting. I had no clue what was going on. I bought my items and walked to my car; the person who shoplifted came out behind me to the car and the manager followed. They returned the merchandise and we left. Later the cops showed up at my parent’s house looking for me. My dad gave them my number and they want to talk with me. They say they have more information the the manger told them. They don’t know my friends name and I don’t want to give them up but I don’t want to be charged for anything. What should I do?

Asked on October 18, 2011 under Criminal Law, Washington

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

If you are a witness to a crime (shoplifitng by your friend) you are required to answer questions about the incident by law enforcement. Failure to cooperate with the investigation could result in you being a possible suspect and being charged with the offense.

If the police want to talk to you about the incident involving your friend and you are concerned that you might be charged with a crime, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney about the event and then have the attorney contact law enforcement for you to assist.

Good luck.


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