Got caught shoplifting. no cops called. What now?

Question

I was caught shoplifting at Nugget Market in CA. NO cops were called...they just took down my info and took a picture (to mail to all the other stores i guess), and asked me to pay a fine. I mailed the fine out to the addie they gave me and am hoping this will be the end of it. Will it ever be brought up again? It's not on my record because no police came right?

Anyway, my advice to everyone is that shoplifting is NEVER worth it...and dont even LOOK suspicious because they can get you for that too these days.

can they decide to take me to court later on? the 2 items were under 25 dollars.

Answer 1

I'm not lawyer, but I used to work in loss prevention for a major retailer, so I can give you a bit of insight.

If they didn't call the cops, you're probably fine. I'm willing to bet that what you're calling a "fine" was actually restitution. A fine is paid to the court/government/some other public body. Restitution, on the other hand, is repayment to the store for the loss you caused. If your payment was going to the store you shoplifted from (or its corporate office), the cops never showed and you haven't received any communication from the police, you're fine. When I caught shoplifters and prosecuted, it was a big to do, and the cops came EVERY time. The times I didn't prosecute, the procedure was pretty much what you're describing.

Note: Pay your restitution! I can't stress this enough. Chances are, you signed some form during the whole ordeal that stated you owed a certain amount of restitution. On that form there was also likely a section that allows prosecution down the line should you fail to pay restitution. That means you miss a payment, you could still end up in jail. Just pay it up and move on.

Also, if they didn't prosecute, you (obviously) have no record. However, there is a private database of people who have been caught stealing from retailers. Not all companies are a part of it, and, generally, those that are only use it for cases of employee theft; but you should be aware of its existence. I've never really used it, so I can't give you much info, but it does exist. Probably nothing to worry about, but it never hurts to be informed.

Lastly, if they're anything like where I worked, they didn't mail the picture anywhere. The pictures are saved in case you ever decide to return (chances are they told you never to come back). If you do decide to return, they can ID you quickly without any trouble. Loss Prevention is also pretty high turnover, so the guy that caught you today could be gone next week. The picture is a way for the next guy to ID you.

Sorry the answer was so long, but I hope it helps!

PS They can't "get" you for looking suspicious. If they do stop you, and you haven't done anything wrong, call a lawyer. You can sue - they're not just allowed to pick people out and harass them. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I'm just saying it's wrong, and you have recourse if it happens to you.

Answer 2

You should not have paid a fine or even had your picture taken. The store is not the police or the courts, they can either Prosecute or not. Making you pay a fine is extortion, because otherwise they have to go to court and prove it. You are innocent until proven guilty. Remember most if not all misdemeanor charges against minors are sealed at the age of 18 anyway. You have no idea who really gets your picture do you ? If the store doesn't prosecute you all they can do is take the merchandise and escort you out the door. Most people are too frightened at this point and willing to do anything to keep their records clean, hence the store getting away with it. A lot of stores will give you the option to PAY for the merchandise or get arrested for shoplifting/concealment. That's all they can legally do. If they accuse you of shoplifting/concealment and you are clean then sue their butts off. You could press the issue on Civil Rights or the "fine" you paid. but is it worth it ? and the Stores are willing to take this risk, especially with minors.

Answer 3

Back in the day I was caught shoplifting. I had a 3 yr old and was on a very low income... and I was stupid. I would steal cartons of cigarettes and sell them for cash.
I got caught outside. The store owner made me empty everything out, asked me if I smoked (no way) and what I was doing it. I told him the absolute truth, ready, mind you to be arrested. He let me go, and gave me a couple boxes of cereal, milk, some vegetables and some hamburger. I went back to the store and he let me work off the cost by bagging groceries,nice guy.
I was not aware that they make you pay a fine. I know the cops probly have you pay something. I don't have any idea what they would do with the picture but I don't live in CA, maybe they do things different there?

Answer 4

I was caught as I was walking out of Wal-Mart by one of their loss prevention officers. I put maybe a $7 tube of make-up in my purse but had alot of other bags that I had paid for as well. Dont know what I was thinking that day. I remember I was heading to a funeral so it wasnt the best day thats for sure. They took me in a room, took my picture and then had me sign some IPAD looking thing and said that it was not an admission of guilt tho....they really didnt explain much at all and I was scared to death. They swore that that could not have been all I took and I dumped my purse out and swore there was nothing....finally they just let me go with just a paper. NO COPS WERE CALLED and its been over 3 months and I havent got anything in the mail. I am still nervous that I will get something that says to pay them restitution. Should I? Over a $7 item that they got back.

Answer 5

You should be fine. If the value of the shoplifted item is below a certain dollar amount, the store will not pursue criminal action against you - too expensive to go to court over a small item. The picture thing is just so they can keep record of you and maybe pass it along to neighboring stores. Example: Wal-Mart will not prosecute anyone for shoplifting unless the item exceeds $25 in value. The stores just want to scare you into NOT doing it again.

Answer 6

Nugget Markets Corporate Office

Answer 7

Actually as long as you were not tried in court and convicted for it you should not have a criminal history with regards to this incident. It isn't so much about the police being called. It seems that the stores are protecting themselves by making it their policy to document your description and relay that information to other stores to warn them and help keep you honest. I am glad to hear regret in your tone. Keep in mind that this may reflect unfavorably for you in obtaining employment with any of the stores around you.

Answer 8

You can actually sue them and you will win. No one has the authority to impose fines, other than the government. They cannot bring up anything against you anymore, even if you decide to sue them for the fine, because: 1. The stolen items were returned. 2. They let you go at the time of the incident.

Answer 9

you didnt pay a fine..you paid civil restitution...now someone on here said Wal Mart WILL NOT prosecute for under 25.00...thats not true...under certain circumstances THEY WILL...best not to try and find out if you fall into that special field...also they say that about someone under 18 and I know for a fact they will for some under 18...that special thing again.....best just not to steal and you will be fine....BTW..you walked on this one...no charges will be filed if everything is as you say....I work corporate asset protection....I have experience here

Answer 10

You know, I can never understand why retards like you, would risk going to jail and having a permanent record over stealing something that's not even worth anything. What a freakin idiot. Next time, make it worth your while. Then, you can go to jail and see what it's like to be a real criminal. DUMBA$$!!!!