What Would Happen, Would I Be Charged?

Question

There are 2 asians in a busy shopping market near me I go down frequently and 1 is a man in a suit and a woman. The woman talks to old ladies while her partner robs the old ladies purses. What would happen say if I saw it and followed him to get it back and he becomes violent and I fight back what would happen? (Police/Law)

I hate old ladies being robbed, and it makes my blood boil.

Answer 1

I have a better idea--videotape what they are doing and then call the police.  How about if you just call the police right now and tell them what you have observed?  Never try to effectuate a citizen's arrest, let the cops do it.  That's why they make the big bucks (lol!).  However if he gets violent with you, you are allowed to use reasonable force to defend yourself.  "Billy, don't be a hero..."

Answer 2

You could be charged. Leave law enforcement to the professionals.

Answer 3

if you get involved be prepared to go all the way like when they are arrested you will be a witness and when they go to court you will also be there for the duration of the trial and who knows maybe someone will try to silence you from testifying against them. Now I ask you, is all this worth it....

Answer 4

Can't say what the UK courts would do, but if you've actually seen the facts that substantiate the crime and can point the perpetrators out, they could both be arrested (the woman would be considered to be "acting in concert"; whether that would = a conviction after trial is some other matter.

You also need to get the old ladies involved because theft offenses require some actual statement by the owner that the theives had no permission to take their stuff.

Getting personally involved with the perps is pretty dangerous.  As a practical matter, you only see 2 crooks - there could be more.  Maybe get it on camera (camera phone?  I don't know).  If he becomes violent, you may have grounds to protect yourself, but that would probably depend on specific facts.  It's not impossible that he might have you charged - and he'd have his sister (and who knows who else) vouching for his side of things.

Answer 5

Depends on where you are. Here, any citizen can act to prevent the consequences of theft, using whatever force is required and no more. If he uses force, it bumps it up to robbery. Check out your state. Then follow the Davy Crockett rule: Be sure you're right - Then go ahead. Of course, you could be in one of the growing number or places where the state does your momma's job and expects you to check your balls at the door.