When the police attend to deal with a suspected shoplifter, they are given evidence of the allegation by store security (loss prevention) officers. The police may conduct further investigation. In most cases the suspect is issued an Appearance Notice or acknowledges a Promise to Appear requiring attendance in court on a specific date. Usually an appointment is also made for identification purposes (fingerprints and photographs) on a date prior to the court appearance.
Either of these documents serve to notify the person that the police are forwarding the file to the prosecution on the basis of alleged offence of shoplifting. If you or your lawyer fail to attend for the court appearance date, in most cases a warrant for your arrest will follow. The date listed is not a trial date. In most cases your lawyer attends to formally notify the court that you are represented and to ensure the prosecutor is aware of who represents you.
Appearance Notices and Promises to Appear are legal documents notifying the suspect of the information therein. If you have received either of these documents or any other document giving you notices with respect to a shoplifting charge, contact our office and we will guide you through your case.