In the musical, "Les Miserables," one of the key plot lines is an examination of the forces that sometimes drive human beings into criminal action and whether that makes them criminals. At times, the play points out, it is merely a sense of desperation over hunger and concern for family that can be the motive. Those conditions are not uncommon these days in South Carolina and other states.

Those driven to desperate measures are entitled to a strong defense of their rights if they happen to wind up facing criminal charges. Sometimes the cards get stacked against a defendant before they ever have a chance to state their case because the police and media conspire, sometimes wittingly, to publicize the government's side of things. That's only providing one side of the story.

Consider whether that's a possibility in the following matter. Myrtle Beach police say they are holding a Georgia man in connection with an alleged theft from the Kmart on N. Kings Highway. Authorities say they were called to the store by a security employee who claimed to witness the man on security cameras take some sets of headphones, soft drinks, snack candy and tobacco.

Another security person stopped the man at the door at which time the man is said to have turned over the alleged stolen items. Police arrived and made an arrest.

Presumably, authorities read the man his Miranda rights. Yet, in their report, they claimed the man admitted to them that he had lost a lot of money gambling on a casino boat and intended to pawn some of the items stolen so he could return home.

The thing to remember is that, no matter what the circumstances may be, if a person faces criminal charges, the first thing they should do is exercise their right to remain silent. The next thing to remember is to call an attorney.

Source: The Sun News, "Man, who lost money gambling, arrested in Myrtle Beach for shoplifting," Tonya Root, Feb. 09, 2012