Theft of Government Property?

[leslieenicole01]

A friend of mine called me today, she had been caught shoplifting on a Navy Military Base Exchange (NEX) I understand that in theft cases it isn't so much the value as it is the actual act of stealing. I will still state the value of the item was 17.00. She left the store and Loss Prevention followed her to her car and asked her to return to the store. She offered to pay for the item, however they refused and took her into the back room, she told me she was there for about an hour until she was released. She was NOT arrested nor apprehended however Military Police did show up and take a statement along with video footage of her actions. She was later released and allowed to drive off base, she is a Dependant, her father is a retired Master Chief. She received a United States District Court Violation Notice with the following charge: 18UCS641 Theft of Government property less than 1000 and was told she would receive a court date in the mail. I have a few questions. She told me that while being held by Loss Prevention they had mentioned a name of another person who was caught shoplifting there about three weeks ago and she personally knew the person, when she stated she personally knew the individual it turned into a discussion of character about the other individual while upon mentioning other names of people she also knew, would she have a loophole here? Is she facing jail time? This is her first offense. Would a plea of Guilty or Not Guilty be more sufficient in her case, even though evidence clearly shows she took the item (The have video footage) Although you cannot give me the exact outcome of this case, what is most likely in her situation? She knows she will have a fine and a court date and that's about it. Thank you for ANY advice you can give.

[Hosanna]

Litigation is at times considered a separate function, set aside for trained attorneys. Although a person will be responsible for this in his/her job description, there may be an attorney working under a property manager.