US Politics | I’m a lawyer – you’re more likely to be accused of shoplifting if you make a common self-checkout mistake

A DEFENSE attorney has warned Americans they could face jail time for making a mistake in the self-checkout line at popular stores. John Guidry, who works as a criminal defense attorney in Orlando, Florida posts informative TikTok videos on legal advice. Missing an item at the self-checkout could result in a petty theft charge, Credit: Getty ImagesGetty Images - Getty Defense Attorney John Guidry talks about using self-checkoutTikTok/orlandodefenseattorney Chain superstores like Walmart and Target save money by using self-checkout machines, Credit: Getty ImagesGetty Images - Getty In his latest series, Guidry discussed how an error in the self-checkout line could lead to a criminal charge. The attorney pointed out that chain stores like Walmart save money by having fewer cashiers and don't prosecute them for making a mistake scanning items. Even though Guidry assured viewers the likelihood of facing jail time for a self-checkout error is slim, it is possible to face a petty theft charge for a simple mistake. Guidry explained, ...Even without jail there's some nasty side effects like lots of probation, community service, classes, fines. Worst of all, you got this dark cloud of a criminal history that'll follow you around forever.... Read more on self-checkout CHECK IT OUT I shop at Aldi - I hate the new self-checkout for a reason I think is ageist Guidry adds that petty theft crimes are beatable because they're tough to prove. A prosecutor would have to prove there was an intention to steal the item. The more items a customer buys, the harder it is to prove the missed item wasn't a result of human or machine error. However, Guidry warns that when there are fewer items it's easier to show the missed scan was intentional. Most read in The US Sun 'LACK OF CARE' Veteran's family slams cops who 'let Master of Disguise boyfriend escape' CRUCIAL BREAKTHROUGH First pic of man arrested in connection with Delphi murders revealed KNIFE HORROR Tragic details emerge after dad and daughter killed in horror Kohl's stabbing PAT HITS BACK Wheel of Fortune's Pat corrects player after she shares controversial opinion NOT THEIR BEST Today fans cringe after guest acts 'irritated' with Hoda & Jenna on live TV FINAL SMILE Chilling final pics of husband with wife moments before he pushed her off cliff The defense attorney explained, ...if you bought seven items and you forgot to scan three, you probably got a petty theft right there.... If you do find yourself in this position, Guidry recommends getting a good attorney and not getting too down on yourself for making a mistake. Many users took to the comments to express their skepticism about the Florida law. One user commented, ...No, they're not prosecuting you for mistakes. Plus, they're only filing charges for felony amounts.... Read More on The US Sun HOLIDAY TERROR 13 dead and 62 hurt including 12-year-old boy in Halloween weekend shootings SCREAM QUEENS See the Kardashians show off their most scandalous Halloween styles To which Guidry replied: ...In Central FL where I practice they are still arresting for misdemeanor amounts, jail and everything!... As Guidry suggests, next time you skip the cashiers, make sure you don't accidentally miss an item in the self-checkout line.

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