Can you sue if a store accuses you of stealing?

In the United States, citizens value their civil liberties and constitutional rights and don’t appreciate submitting to unlawful seizure and search. Because of this, there has been a legal trend of filing a lawsuit against a retail store anytime a customer is wrongfully accused of shoplifting.

How do I sue a company for false accusations?

To establish slander in a civil lawsuit, you must prove that someone made the accusations against you while knowing they were false and did so with the intent of hurting your job standing or reputation.

What should I do if I’m accused of shoplifting?

Anyone who finds themselves faced with a false accusation of shoplifting should make it clear that they are not prepared to go anywhere with store staff unless they are formally arrested. There is, of course, no obligation on someone in this situation to prove their innocence.

What are the penalties for shoplifting in California?

Depending on the class of misdemeanor or felony that a particular shoplifting offense falls in, the penalties could include fines between $350 to $ 750,000, and imprisonment between 3 months to a maximum of 24 years, in addition to several other harsh consequences (like probation, work release sentence, etc.).

Does Somerfield offer any compensation for shoplifting?

Only after he wrote about the incident in a national newspaper did Somerfield even send a letter of apology. The company has not, though, offered any compensation. Indeed, the store has suggested that being involved in incidents like this is a price that people should be willing to pay to help support the fight against shoplifting.

Was Terence Blacker wrongly arrested for shoplifting?

A Sunday morning shopping trip turned into a nightmare for journalist Terence Blacker when he was wrongly arrested for shoplifting. Richard Colbey.