Can you get in trouble for being with friends who are shoplifting?

Today I went with some friends to the grocery store and they started putting things into their bags and asking me to “cover them” I didn’t know what they were doing, I was so stupid and in denial, I thought they would pay later for some ridiculous reason. We went out of the store and I noticed that they stole the items. There were security cameras everywhere, and I go to that plaza very often with my mom to do my groceries. Is there any way they can track me down and get me in trouble? Will I get a criminal record!? I am freaking out!!!

Answer #1

not sure but i think if you were there when it happened you might get in trouble or they will question you…but if you helped them steal or covered for them then ya you can get in trouble…but not sure if thats correct never stole before.

Answer #2

You can’t get in trouble for being friends with a shoplifting. You can get in trouble if the police bring you in for questioning and you are holding information, because you don’t want you’re friend getting in trouble. Or if you shoplift with your friend. Those are two ways you can get in trouble.

Answer #3

YES! Happend to me twice. It is just like being with people who are carrying weapons. They are just gonna lecture you on why you have to tell someone. It can lead to arrest though. So be careful :)! Hope I helped.

Answer #4

They didn’t notice. If they did then they would have stopped you guys at the exit & questioned you, took the stuff, & sent a fine home. If they caught you helping them, or stealing things on camera, then you would get the same punishments as them. But no if you go back there the odds are nothing will happen.

Answer #5

Yes, so that’s why I suggest you don’t be with the wrong friends, at the wrong time cause it would suck if someone got introuble for someone elses mistake.

Answer #6

Yes, because people will think that you are a “gang member”. They are extremely bad friends, b.t.w. for pulling you into such a situation with no warning.

If I were you, I’d refuse to go to enter any shop with them in the future. Just stay outside when they go in. And then go buy your own stuff when they’re out. And tell them why you refuse.

As to that grocery store… you can tell your mom what happened. She might forbid you to hang out with those “friends”.

Answer #7

It’s called being an accessory to a crime and you are legally responsible if you get caught. Even if you don’t get caught but your friend does and names you as being there at the time the crime was committed, you can be held responsible. It’s up to you to do the right thing and either convince your friend not to do it, or report it if she does.

Answer #8

IF U R WITH HER,U GET CHARGED ALSO U R AN ACOMPLACE,U DONT WANT 2 HAVE A RECORD THATS NO GOOD. (TAKE KARE N GOOD LUCK)WISH U THE BEST ;)

Answer #9

Most stores are very conservative about who they detain for shoplifting. They only act when they have all the elements to make a conviction. They often let shoplifters go if they are not 100% certain they can prosecute and wait until they steal again and they do have all the elements.. If you simply were with the shoplifter you would probably be able to avoid prosecution by simply saying you had no idea they planned on stealing. If they have you on surveillance covering, being a lookout, etc. than you could end up in just as much trouble as the shoplifter.

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