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patalmag98 · Feb 11, 2011, 05:27 PM

I was in a retail store the other day and went to parking lot found a purse in a cart. I proceeded to take purse to customer service on the way I had to use restroom so I did. Then proceeded to turn purse in the girl said she would lock it up. The next day the local police came to my house and asked me to come to station. I did thought I was getting a reward for turning in the purse. Bad guess the police officer was very nasty and proceeded to ask me the events I told him. He then told me money was missing from the purse. I had nothing to do with that I just thought I was doing a good deed and now that crazy lady is going to charge me with theft any thoughts cause I don't want to out any money into a situation which I tried to do the eight thing. Im so mad this lady is either lying or someone else got to purse before I saw it. What shhould I do.

robyn2001 · Feb 11, 2011, 05:32 PM

Tell them to get a lying machine out and tell them that your not lying and see what happens

ScottGem · Feb 11, 2011, 05:33 PM

Without any proof that you took the money I doubt if the local prosecutor will prosecute. Its not up to the crazy lady. If they decide to arrest you, you get an attorney and counter sue for false arrest.

ScottGem · Feb 11, 2011, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by robyn2001

tell them to get a lying machine out and tell them that your not lying and see what happens

A lie detector test is generally not admissible in court.

AK lawyer · Feb 11, 2011, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by patalmag98

... What shhould I do.

Nothing. From what you say, they have no case and probably won't pursue it. But on the off-chance they ask you to come to the station again: lawyer up like a clam. Refuse to answer anything without your lawyer present.

patalmag98 · Feb 11, 2011, 05:39 PM

Thanks is it OK for me to make charges of defaming my character by her and I don't want to pay an attorney I was just doing a good deed

AK lawyer · Feb 11, 2011, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by patalmag98

... is it ok for me to make charges of defaming my character by her ...

You don't have a case either. She would say that

the money was in the purse when she lost it
the money wasn't in the purse when she got it back
she doesn't know who took it

That's not defaming you. Its just reporting what she believes to be theft by someone.

Originally Posted by patalmag98

... I don't wanna pay an attorney ...

Then just refuse to answer their questions. Period. If and when they charge you, you will need an attorney.

ScottGem · Feb 11, 2011, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by patalmag98

Thanks is it ok for me to make charges of defaming my character by her and I don't wanna pay an attorney I was just doing a good deed

Nope, it is not an unreasonable assumption that you took the money. And, so far there was not a public defamation.

As for paying for a lawyer, if you want to stay out of jail you will do so if charged.

patalmag98 · Feb 11, 2011, 05:59 PM

So I will end up spending money I don't have cause this lady is punishing the person who did the right thing

ScottGem · Feb 11, 2011, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by patalmag98

So I will end up spending money I don't have cause this lady is punishing the person who did the right thing

Try paying attention. I said: "I doubt if the local prosecutor will prosecute." Have you been arrested, charged, arraigned? Then hold tight until you are. And if you are, you can sue the woman for your costs +.

patalmag98 · Feb 11, 2011, 06:19 PM

So if I get charged and have to get an attorney and she loses which she will can I sue her for the cost of a lawyer
And do u think it more likely than not that she would pursue I did not take her money I can't remember if police told me snout because I was so mad

patalmag98 · Feb 11, 2011, 06:29 PM

Ok sorry I'm just so mad about this cause I did the right thing and my 13 yr old was so proud of me and then the police show up and accuse me he was so upset thank you and I will hold tight

ScottGem · Feb 11, 2011, 06:29 PM

First, please don't use the Comments feature for follow-up questions or info. Use the Answer options instead.

Second, she doesn't win or lose. This is not a civil case, this is a case of theft which is criminal. Its not up to her to prosecute a case. In a criminal case its up to the District Attorney or local prosecutor to decide if there is enough evidence to prosecute. In my opinion they won't because there isn't enough to do so. Even a public defender is going to point out to a jury that if you wanted to steal the money why would you call attention to yourself by returning the purse? A prosecutor is going to look at this case as having a large potential of losing. So they will be loath to prosecute.

If they do prosecute, then you can file a civil suit against the woman and the prosecutor for malicious prosecution.

ballengerb1 · Feb 11, 2011, 06:33 PM

"crazy lady is going to charge me with theft " first off this can't happen. The lady can file a complaint about anything she wants but only the police can arrest and they have not. You are upset and angry but that will pass as will this issue. I bet your are never arrested on this charge

AK lawyer · Feb 11, 2011, 11:46 PM

Originally Posted by patalmag98

... I did the right thing and my 13 yr old was so proud of me and then the police show up and accuse me he was so upset thank you ...

Tell him for me that he should be proud of you. You did a good thing.

ballengerb1 · Feb 12, 2011, 10:46 AM

Show you son these posts and ask him to read each one, then he'll know the truth