Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft caught shoplifting at Urban Outfitters

[confused1212]

Today I was caught shoplifting a sweater at urban outfitters- The sensor at the door went off and I was taken into the back, I came up with a story about my aunt having bought me the sweater and I was considering returning it, which was stupid, but I eventually confessed to having tried taking the sweater. They took down information off of my license and took my social security number. The had me sign something saying that I acknowledged I had attempted to shoplift, and that I knew that if I attempted to enter a store in the next 3 years that I could be arrested for trespassing. I was told that I would get a civil demand notice in the mail for my fine, and they gave me information about the civil demand. I have never done something like this before, it was so stupid, I feel so terrible and shocked at myself for doing something like this. I was just wondering if I could be taken to court for this? Or if this is likely? I'm really concerned that this will appear on my criminal record, even though nothing was mentioned about it when I was at the store. Please Help!

 

[mightymoose]

At this point you will not be arrested or taken to court unless you fail to pay the fine they demand AND they choose to pursue the matter further.
You can expect the civil demand to be upwards of $400.

Personally, I would not pay their demand unless the amount seemed reasonable. If you don't pay you will still not be arrested. The store would have to follow through with a criminal report, which you have already signed a confession to, and then the DA would have to issue a warrant. A petty theft of this type, if this is a first offense, would likely be handled as an infraction and routed through diversion programs rather than doing anything formal. in short- they are unlikely to pursue anything criminal. What they MIGHT do is pursue a civil action over the demanded amount. It is anyone's guess if they will do that- but you have nothing to worry about until you are served papers to appear in court.

Don't answer their phone calls and don't answer their letters. Do not acknowledge them at all and they will must likely go away. This is petty and you are not worth the effort.

On the other hand, if you are afraid of a potential civil lawsuit and would rather the matter be over with, then pay their demand. I'm willing to bet that you don't have $400 or so to give them, otherwise you probably would not have been stealing the sweater. If I remember correctly, the law allows for a minimum of $50 for the demand. Just because they demand a certain amount does not mean they are entitled to it. If you think the amount is unreasonable and are willing to go to court over it (potentially) then just wait them out and argue the reasonableness of the amount when the time comes. In the mean time, any contact you have with them will only encourage them to keep hounding you and threatening legal actions that may never come.

 

[army judge]

Just as an aside, that thing they call a "confession" isn't worth a dime, if you shut up.

Moose's advice is spot on. If I were you, I'd forget this and them. I'd also stay off their premises.

 

[confused1212]

Thank you so much! This helped out a lot. As far as not paying the civil demand though, I was wondering if it was worth it, if they do take me to court in a civil lawsuit wouldn't that cost me a lot more than just paying the initial amount, what with lawyer and court fees and everything? Thank you so much for the advice about them taking criminal action, that was what I was most worried about.

 

[army judge]

They won't take you to court for such a diddly amount. They would if it's bigger. They want easy money. They want to scare the money out of you.

If you ignore the demands, they'll eventually slither away. You just need to stay out if their stores. Don't go back to any of those stores ever!!!

 

[sosorry2]

I was arrested and ticketed for petit larceny. I found a bag (not a purse or a wallet it was like a cosmetic bag) in a casino on the floor next to a machine, There was $100 in cash, gift cards totaling $170 and other items that I didn't bother to look at. I took the cash and the gift cards and threw away the bag in the trash. Although I return All that I have taken, (the next day, after being contacted by the police), I am still being charged with petit larcney.

The police officer said that I don't need a lawyer at this time, just show-up at the arrainment and since I NEVER been in trouble before, I will most likely have to settle with replacing the other items that was in the bag. I feel terrible, I should have taken the bag to lost & found. How or can I keep this from going onto my permanent record? About how much will it cost? Do I need an lawyer at the arrainment?

 

[army judge]

I was arrested and ticketed for petit larceny. I found a bag (not a purse or a wallet it was like a cosmetic bag) in a casino on the floor next to a machine, There was $100 in cash, gift cards totaling $170 and other items that I didn't bother to look at. I took the cash and the gift cards and threw away the bag in the trash. Although I return All that I have taken, (the next day, after being contacted by the police), I am still being charged with petit larcney.

The police officer said that I don't need a lawyer at this time, just show-up at the arrainment and since I NEVER been in trouble before, I will most likely have to settle with replacing the other items that was in the bag. I feel terrible, I should have taken the bag to lost & found. How or can I keep this from going onto my permanent record? About how much will it cost? Do I need an lawyer at the arrainment?

No, you don't need a lawyer at the arraignment.

You do need to plead not guilty, make no admissions or confessions, ask the court to appoint you a lawyer (or, hire your own lawyer), and speak to no one else about the "incident' except your lawyer!

 

[sosorry2]

Thank you, but when I returned the money and gift cards to the detective, he had me sign a statement that states:
That I found that bag on the floor on my way to the bathroom and that I took the money and gift cards and discarded the bag while in the bathroom and that I had a lapse in judement.

So now what at the arraignment?

 

[army judge]

Thank you, but when I returned the money and gift cards to the detective, he had me sign a statement that states:
That I found that bag on the floor on my way to the bathroom and that I took the money and gift cards and discarded the bag while in the bathroom and that I had a lapse in judement.

So now what at the arraignment?

Was this "detective" a store security guard?

Or, was this "detective" a real law enforcement officer?

Either way, plead not guilty.

You are innocent until proven guilty.

All you need to know and do, I've outlined above.

 

[sosorry2]

Real LAW enforcement officer. I went to the police station.

Thank you again for the info, I'm very afraid for I never been in trouble before. It's not like I took this item from someone, I found it on the floor.

 

[army judge]

Real LAW enforcement officer. I went to the police station.

Thank you again for the info, I'm very afraid for I never been in trouble before. It's not like I took this item from someone, I found it on the floor.

Plead not guilty, ask for a lawyer (or hire your own).

From that point on, your lawyer will guide you.

You won't go to jail.

The worst that will happen is a diversionary program.

You do a little community service, keep your nose clean, take a class on honesty, and presto; this thing gets kicked!!!

It never even happened.

Just go with the flow.

 

[sosorry2]

Thank you so much.....Will let you know how I make out after Friday. Thanks again.