Audio By Carbonatix
An Arizona appeals court is set to issue a ruling today about whether people accused of shoplifting are entitled to jury trials.
The decision stems from a Peoria woman who got pinched for shoplifting and was denied a jury trial by a Maricopa County Superior Court Judge last year, CBS 5 (KPHO) reports.
The penalties for shoplifting are often relatively minimal — probation, or community service — and the judge seemed to think calling in a jury wasn’t necessary.
However, a 1978 Court of Appeals Ruling determined that even folks looking for that small five-finger discount are entitled to jury trials.
When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
The ruling is expected this afternoon.
