QUESTION
Are drug tests standard for shop lifting charges?
Asked on Jul 17th, 2013 on Criminal Law - Colorado
More details to this question:
My sister was arrested for shoplifting and at the police station they administered a drug test. Is this normal? I wasn't there so I have no details but it just seemed odd to me.
4 ANSWERS
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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No. Drug tests are not standard.
Answered on Jul 18th, 2013 at 8:54 PM
Absolutely not normal. Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted she can kiss her career aspirations goodbye. Hire a lawyer before she gets duped into a plea she will regret for life.
Answered on Jul 18th, 2013 at 8:34 PM
Thomas Edward Gates
Drug test for shoplifting is not normal. It could be because of what your sister was trying to steal.
Answered on Jul 18th, 2013 at 11:30 AM
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Generally if a person is accused of shoplifting, the person is issued a summons or citation to appear in court at a later date. It is not typical that the person is giving a drug test. It could be that the officers suspected that your sister was under the influence of a drug and that is why the drug panel was conducted. I would recommend contacting a local criminal defense attorney if the cops had NO REASON to suspect that your sister was on drugs than a test could violate her Fourth Amendment Right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure by the cops.
Answered on Jul 18th, 2013 at 10:46 AM