Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Help!

I recently stole or tried to steal things from Walmart. Which I am immensely ashamed of, however it was around $30 worth of things. As I was heading out I was stopped by security and taken to a side room. Cops were not called and i was also not required to sign anything. The only thing they took was my drivers license. The lady told me I would be getting a civil thing from their attorneys where I would have to pay a fine. She told me if I didn't pay it, I would be charged with criminal charges. So she advised me to pay it. Which would maybe be around $250 dollars. I just want to know if I should pay that fine... and if even by paying that fine, i could still get charged with criminal records. Also, this was my first and only time stealing. But if anyone can help me out, I'd truly appreciate it!

Whether you pay it or not is up to you.

Whether they report your crime to the police is up to them.

Amab2345 said:

I recently stole or tried to steal things from [a retail merchant].

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And you thought posting on a public message board and identifying the retailer by name was a good idea?

Amab2345 said:

The only thing they took was my drivers license.

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I certainly hope you got it back before you left. If you didn't, you might consider contacting the police about it. A merchant has the legal right to detain a suspected shoplifter, but a merchant does not have the right to steal the subject's driver's license.

Amab2345 said:

I just want to know if I should pay that fine... and if even by paying that fine, i could still get charged with criminal records.

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What you're talking about is not a fine. The law allows a victim of shoplifting to sue for a fixed amount of damages, regardless of whether the shoplifting results in any actual damages to the victim. Sometimes this is called statutory damages; sometimes it's called a civil penalty. Either way, it is completely separate from any criminal prosecution. You are subject to being charged for your crime regardless of whether you comply with a demand for statutory damages. By the way, it's also a crime (extortion) to threaten criminal prosecution in order to gain an advantage in a civil matter. In other words, according to what you wrote, the person connected with the store committed the crime of extortion.

zddoodah said:

And you thought posting on a public message board and identifying the retailer by name was a good idea?



I certainly hope you got it back before you left. If you didn't, you might consider contacting the police about it. A merchant has the legal right to detain a suspected shoplifter, but a merchant does not have the right to steal the subject's driver's license.



What you're talking about is not a fine. The law allows a victim of shoplifting to sue for a fixed amount of damages, regardless of whether the shoplifting results in any actual damages to the victim. Sometimes this is called statutory damages; sometimes it's called a civil penalty. Either way, it is completely separate from any criminal prosecution. You are subject to being charged for your crime regardless of whether you comply with a demand for statutory damages. By the way, it's also a crime (extortion) to threaten criminal prosecution in order to gain an advantage in a civil matter. In other words, according to what you wrote, the person connected with the store committed the crime of extortion.

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I just want to know if no cops were involved and no papers were signed, could I still get a criminal record? And if the lady connected with the store did commit the crime of extortion, how can I go about it?

Amab2345 said:

I just want to know if no cops were involved and no papers were signed, could I still get a criminal record? And if the lady connected with the store did commit the crime of extortion, how can I go about it?

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Also, if the police was not called on the spot, can they still reach out to them, without my knowledge of it?

Amab2345 said:

I just want to know if no cops were involved and no papers were signed, could I still get a criminal record?

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A criminal prosecution is highly unlikely.

If such a prosecution worries you, call the prosecutor and ask.

I would advise against contacting anyone, BUT a criminal defense attorney, which you probably won't need.

I suggest you remain calm, exercise restraint, and do nothing more about this sordid event except forget it.

The police weren't called, therefore they have nothing to investigate at this point.

As far as the person you THINK may have committed a crime, forget that, too.

I doubt that her recitation of the matter would be consistent with yours.


Proverbs 28:1 King James Version (KJV)
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Amab2345 said:

I just want to know if no cops were involved and no papers were signed, could I still get a criminal record? And if the lady connected with the store did commit the crime of extortion, how can I go about it?

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It is unlikely at this point that this would result in a criminal matter.
If you fail to pay the demand the matter MIGHT go to civil court.
As above, it is NOT a fine. It is a request only. You have no obligation to pay it. If you don't pay then you MIGHT go to civil court and then be ordered to pay.
I suggest you take the letter you receive to a local attorney for a quick consult before deciding what to do.
As mentioned, if you were told that paying the demand would stop any criminal action, you might have some ammo to defend with if they later pursue you. Maybe

Amab2345 said:

I just want to know if no cops were involved and no papers were signed, could I still get a criminal record?

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Define "criminal record." If you are arrested, there will be records relating to that arrest. Likewise, if you are charged with a crime, there will be records. If you are convicted, there will be a record of that. Although many papers relating to arrests, charges and convictions will be signed, the fact that you did not sign anything will not prevent any of those things from happening.

Amab2345 said:

And if the lady connected with the store did commit the crime of extortion, how can I go about it?

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You are free to report any suspected crime to the police and/or the local criminal prosecutor.

Amab2345 said:

Also, if the police was not called on the spot, can they still reach out to them, without my knowledge of it?

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I find it utterly unbelievable that you might think the answer to this question could possibly be anything other than yes.

I am a Retail theft Consultant and answer questions like yours daily. Your question has been a source of debate on this site for years. Many will tell you not to pay I say different. You risk (low risk I admit) long term consequences like the threat mentioned.by not paying. It was also unwise to name store on a public forum. Below are some links and videos that support "my" view. You make up your own mind I am merely supplying my professional view. One of the links is unavailable as the site is currently dealing with tech issues. The other link and videos should help and you can always contact me if you wish.

Civil Recovery