Can you be prosecuted for shoplifting Months later?

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Can you be prosecuted for shoplifting Months later?

My friend is in a relationship with a man who
encouraged her to shoplift. It has been months since
the last time she did it, but he has messages that
said she did. He is threatening to turn her in if she
leaves him and she is terrified

Asked on February 13, 2019 under Criminal Law, Indiana

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

Yes, you can be. The "statute of limitations," or time period during which charges may be brought for a misdeamor like most shoplifting is two years in your state (IN). That means that charges may be brought against her any time within 2 years of when she shoplifted. Of course, that means that she could also turn him in for shoplifting--even if he did not do it himself, if he can be shown to have encouraged or directed her or helped plan it, he may be charged as an accomplice, and possibly also with receving stolen goods (the shoplifted items). It is likely they each have threats of disclosure against the other.


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