Can you be detained and accused of shoplifting if you are standing inside the store by the door with groceries in the cart?

Can you be detained and accused of shoplifting if you are standing inside the store by the door with groceries in the cart?

My friend was making a phone call – trying to get reception before she checked out. She never left the store. Security pulled her in the office and gave her a civil demand notice stating that the store is permitted to recover civil damages from her. They kept the incident “in house” – they did not call the police.

Asked on February 28, 2012 under Criminal Law, New Jersey

Answers:

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