A student at Louisiana State University was arrested at a recent home football game. Criminal charges were filed against the student when several items missing from a restricted area were located on the individual.
An 18 year old LSU student has found himself facing charges for a crime that occurred during a home football game. Allegations against the man state he was discovered by an officer of the LSU Police Department in a restricted area of the stadium where people working the event kept personal items. Reportedly, the officer performed a search on the student and found a plastic American flag as well as a piece of electronic equipment in his boot. Upon questioning the student, officers claim he discussed several other items as well. The man allegedly claimed to have taken other items but left them behind when he observed other individuals in the immediate area. The student now faces a simple burglary charge and was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
Theft charges on an individual’s record may have long-term consequences when it comes to future employment or other endeavors. Criminal charges against an individual do not mean an automatic conviction, however. Several defenses to theft exist, including intoxication and claim of ownership right. Many people also wonder if the return of property constitutes a defense to theft charges. Generally, returning stolen goods will not qualify as a defense to the crime since the crime of “taking” has already been committed. However, returning the property can help offer a more sympathetic view of a defendant, possibly resulting in lower penalties.
Additionally, a slight variation may exist when the defendant had the intent to return the property at the time it was taken and had the ability to actually do so. This claim of borrowing can sometimes be offered as a defense.
Due to the long-term consequences of criminal charges, a solid defense team is crucial to every defendant’s future. When an individual is just entering his or her adult years, such as the defendant in this case, the consequences of not looking into every option available can be devastating.
Source: WAFB, “LSU student arrested for theft at Tiger stadium during home game,” Samantha Morgan, October 20, 2014