Cengage Advantage Books: Business Law 9th Edition by Arnold Goldman ,William Sigismond

Exercise 8

Baer, age 68, entered Huthers Liquor store located in a very busy area of a large city pretending to be interested in making a purchase. It was near closing time. When all customers left the store, he approached the owner who was at the cash register and pulled out a small-caliber pistol. He instructed the manager to open the cash drawer and then lie down on the floor. Baer then reached in the cash drawer and removed all of the paper currency, which amounted to $3,000. He instructed the manager to stay on the floor for five minutes. Baer then left the store with the money in a briefcase. The manager reported the incident to the metropolitan police who then conducted an investigation. An accurate description of Baer by the manager in addition to two surveillance cameras situated within the store, contributed to identifying Baer as the intruder and then later to his arrest. Following his arrest, Baer was taken to the police station, charged with a felony, and booked. He was then taken to a special room and questioned. Following the questioning, the police felt that they had acquired enough evidence to hold Baer for trial. Bail was denied, and he was confined pending further court appearances.
Questions
1. For what crime should Baer be charged?
2. I f Baer gave some of the stolen money to a friend, under what circumstances could this friend also be charged with a crime?
3. Can Baer claim his mature age (68) as one of the common defenses to his crime?
4. Since the police did not witness the crime, did they have a legal right to arrest Baer?
5. Does Baer have an absolute right to a trial in this case?