Michigan Criminal Attorneys Blog
JC Penney has a reputation for prosecuting shoplifters to the fullest extent of the law. The policy of JC Penney is that actively apprehending shoplifters deters people from stealing and protects their merchandise. What makes JC Penney more successful with preventing shoplifting than other stores?
First, the resources that JC Penney employs to discover and prevent theft is vast. They have well trained loss prevention personnel, closed circuit television monitoring of the entire store with recording of the same, and theft detection devices.
Second, the loss prevention training is top notch. Closed Circuit Televisions are constantly monitored. Loss prevention also works on the sales floor to personally observe shoppers and look for suspicious behavior. Loss prevention is made aware of persons to watch out for who have a suspected prior history of theft from the store. Dressing rooms are frequently checked for missing items or removed theft detection devices. There is adequate staffing of loss prevention so that help is available if someone were to flee or become aggressive.
Third, there is no hesitation by JC Penney to prosecute theft, even when a small dollar amount is involved. JC Penney will also seek to have persons they catch shoplifting to be banned from the stores, and pursue civil law judgments (usually $200). Do not expect mercy or sympathy. A hard luck story will not persuade loss prevention to look the other way.
Fourth, JC Penney has closed circuit television that is able to record persons in the store. There is adequate placement of cameras that can display multiple angles of activity to the closed circuit television, and eliminate blind spots.
Fifth, whenever someone is detained an adequate investigation ensues. Photographs are taken of the suspected shoplifter (in most cases) and of the merchandise involved. Video evidence is preserved and given to the police for prosecution. Loss prevention attempts to gain verbal and/or written confessions from the person detained. The value of the merchandise is calculated and provided to the police.
Sixth, JC Penney loss prevention and store associates will testify, if needed, at preliminary examinations (for felony retail fraud cases) and/or trial. Do not expect that the case will be dismissed due to the non-appearance of witnesses.
Seventh, JC Penney loss prevention maintain good relationships with local police. They respond quickly and enthusiastically because JC Penney helps police to perform their duties through their investigation. Also, typically communities want to protect retailers because of the tax revenue involved. One way to protect retailers is to have efficient police work and prosecutions.
It is important when you are detained for retail fraud to not make any statements about the offense to anyone but your lawyer. Your best best is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who regularly handles retail theft allegations. This type of lawyer will have a leg up on other attorneys because this type of lawyer understands how these cases are investigated and prosecuted, which provides for a better defense. Having an experienced lawyer will help you get the best possible result, regardless if you are guilty or not.
A theft related conviction such as shoplifting can have a life long impact. It may prevent you from finding a great job, achieving your dream career, and pursuing higher education. It tarnishes reputations, and is a source of embarrassment. However, hiring the right lawyer may help protect you from these harsh consequences. For retail fraud cases it is recommended that you contact Attorney Daniel Hilf of Hilf & Hilf, PLC.