Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifting Question

[Andrew2015]

Hello- Yesterday i left the store with items on the bottom of my cart that i forgot to pay for! An employee followed me to the parking lot and asked me about them. When i realized what i did i apologized and explained i forgot. i went back into the store with him, he took my ID and i signed a paper. he said i should receive an "invoice" in the mail for the items. no police were involved. I am scared this may turn in to more when it was a mistake! Question #1: will this lead to criminal charges? Question #2: do they generally look at past video for previous occurances in this situation?

 

[Betty3]

Re question #2, has this happened to you before?

 

[Andrew2015]

No this is the first and only time.

 

[army judge]

Hello- Yesterday i left the store with items on the bottom of my cart that i forgot to pay for! An employee followed me to the parking lot and asked me about them. When i realized what i did i apologized and explained i forgot. i went back into the store with him, he took my ID and i signed a paper. he said i should receive an "invoice" in the mail for the items. no police were involved. I am scared this may turn in to more when it was a mistake! Question #1: will this lead to criminal charges? Question #2: do they generally look at past video for previous occurances in this situation?

Why would you think you've made the same mistake previously?
I mean, I take you at your word (as if it matters what I think), that the recent event was the ONLY incident of this nature.
No need to answer, just wait for the "invoice" to arrive, and pay it in FULL, if you think that's best.



By the way, "forgetting stuff on the bottom of the cart", that's still considered STEALING,; and many thieves still try that old scam.

Don't try to explain.
They won't believe you.
They consider you a thief.
Its best just to remain silent, take your punishment, and move on.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Its likely they will send a letter of Civil Demand. The letter will ask for anywhere from $50.00 to $1000.00 depending on state laws and circumstances of theft. I am a retail theft consultant and answer questions like yours daily You will need to decide how to react once you get letter if you do. Far as "accidental shoplifting" its not a very good defense. Below are some links that might be helpful

http://www.parentnook.com/accidental-shoplifting/

http://www.parentnook.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3934

http://www.thelaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59980

 

[Betty3]

Ca. civil demand letters can request $50.00 to $500.00. Ca. penal code 490.5(1)b&c (You can also be responsible to pay for any out-of-pocket expenses that the retail store might have acquired because of your action, namely their attorney costs.)