Winona Ryder alleged shoplifting 'a misunderstanding', says lawyer

Winona Ryder's lawyer says her arrest for alleged shoplifting is a misunderstanding.

Mark Geragos says Ryder was merely carrying items between departments in Saks' Beverly Hills store, not trying to steal them.

He also says she has a valid prescription for the painkillers found in her possession and receipts for the items she allegedly stole.

Store security guards detained Ryder after discovering her trying to steal "numerous items of clothing," Beverly Hills police Lieutenant Gary Gilmond said.

Police who arrested Ryder also found prescription drugs in her possession, Lt Gilmond said. She was booked on charges of grand theft and possessing pharmaceutical drugs without a prescription.

The 30-year-old actress was released after posting $20,000 (£14,000) bail. She was ordered to appear in court January 11.

Gilmond said Ryder may have a prescription for the drugs but was booked because she couldn't immediately produce it. He said store security officers saw her remove security tags from the items, place them in her bag and leave the store.

The items were worth $4,760 (about £3,300), Gilmond said.

Ryder has blamed a hectic film schedule for causing occasional mental breakdowns.

She has been hospitalised several times for exhaustion and has said she sometimes tried to drown her anxiety attacks and depression in alcohol.