The surveillance video of Jameis Winston allegedly shoplifting at Public has been released to the public. You can view the video here:
http://www.tallahassee.com/videos/news/local/2014/05/15/9124597/
Jameis is the quarterback for Florida State and also plays on the baseball team. He was suspended from the baseball team already due to the incident. A theft charge can affect a person in more drastic and life-altering ways that just missing a few of their baseball games. It can cost someone arrested for Petit Theft their job, a place to live, and their reputation. If your theft charge is not handled correctly by an experienced theft attorney, the arrest can haunt them for the rest of their lives.
Another huge mistake Mr. Winston made was by talking to the police, media, and store security. Mr. Winston allegedly stated that he “forgot” he had the crab legs with him because he was being mobbed by fans seeking autographs. The video clearly shows this did not occur and now he has even less credibility than he had before he spoke.
ALWAYS TALK TO A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY BEFORE SPEAKING TO THE POLICE OR STORE SECURITY!
Store security has rights under Florida law to detain you, but you are NOT required to make a statement to them about any incident. Many times, the police will arrive and my clients tell me “The police officer said that if I told them what I did, the officer would not arrest me and would only give me a Notice to Appear at a court date.” Not being arrested has a number of benefits. The biggest benefit is not having your mugshot on the Sheriff’s webpage or those private websites that try to profit off people’s arrests. Also, not having to bond out of jail saves you time and money. However, it may cost you a defense you may have had to the theft charge. In Mr. Winston’s case, his statement probably would not have mattered in his case because the video will be sufficient proof. However, it will hurt his credibility with the court and prosecutor when he attempts to express remorse or take responsibility for his actions and could cost him a chance to get into a diversion program so that the criminal charges end up being dismissed.
Protect your reputation and good name against background searches! Call me now to learn about defenses and options to resolve your Petit Theft, Grand Theft, or Shoplifting case.
CALL AND SET YOUR FREE OFFICE CONSULTATION NOW!
Thomas C. Grajek 863-688-4606
Criminal defense lawyer handling all felony and misdemeanor theft cases including Scheme to Defraud, Grand Theft, Petit Theft, Petty Theft, and Shoplifting.
