Stole from Wal-Mart?

Question

I was with my friend and my cousin and we stole from Wal-Mart...my friend and I took a eye shadow case but her cousin took so many clothes. Then she put a shirt in a bag and when we started to walk out somebody asked us for the receipt we freaked out b/c we knew that we had ALL taken something, and my cousin had so much stuff in purse. So we all went back to "look" for the receipt, meanwhile my cousin dumped EVERYTHING into the trash. So we came back and said that she brought that shirt to return something and she couldn't find the receipt. So they said we had a week to bring in the receipt otherwise they would have to pull out the tapes. I feel so horrible, and I know I should. I've never done anything before, and whether it was $1 or $1,000 my parents would be so disappointed in me. This whole ordeal was more than enough punishment for me. But can they really press charges just from seeing us on a tape? They don't know our names, info, or anything.

I forgot to mention, they also found the stuff my cousin dumped into the trash. It was at least $100 worth.

They don't know our names or anything though.

We are all 16. (sorry for all the extra details)

Answer 1

Just don't go back in that Wal-Mart. I am fairly sure the person you spoke to was bluffing to scare you, especially since he didn't ask for your names or threaten to call your parents.

Answer 2

Legal system says....NO. Common sense a logic say YES. The more honerable reason would be to get usable things like food and blankets for use with people victimized by the flood. I have mixed feelings about things like TV's and Jewelry. On one hand those types of things are not neccesities and there is not an immediate critical need for them due to the disaster. On the other hand, just like the survival items, the TV's and Jewelry are also covered by the stores insurance and will be replaced and/or paid for. If i were watching a 10inch black n white TV at home I honestly dont know if I would let the stores merchandise go to the dump if it was still usable, or not.......Good Question.

Answer 3

I am a Wal-Mart employee and shame on you!! Just playing. No they wont call you on it. They cannot go after you once they released you. Their loss prevention caught you stealing and you dumped the merchandise. They just wanted to scare you and it worked. Now once they reconize you guys again, they will probably keep an eye on you all.

Answer 4

Theft/Larceny
Theft/larceny is typically defined as the taking of almost anything of value without the consent of the owner, with the intent to permanently deprive him or her of the value of the property taken. Most states recognize degrees of theft, such as "grand" or "petty," which usually relate to the value of the property taken.

For example, Dan goes to Victor's music store, puts two CDs in his pocket, and walks out the door. Dan can be charged with theft/larceny. Had Dan stolen Victor's car from the parking lot, Dan would likely be charged with grand theft/larceny.

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Juvenile Crime and Juvenile Justice
Special rules exist for criminal law cases involving young offenders (usually under 18 years of age). Below you will find information on the juvenile justice system, and tips on specific issues in juvenile criminal cases.

Juvenile Justice Basics:
Juvenile Justice: Background
Development of the Juvenile Justice System
When a Minor Commits a Crime
Juveniles and Age ("Status") Offenses
Examples of Status Offenses: Curfew and Truancy
Juvenile Criminal Cases:
The Juvenile Justice System
Juvenile Court Procedure
Juvenile Court Chronology: What to Expect
Juvenile "Waiver" (Transfer to Adult Court)
Juveniles and the Death Penalty
Choosing a Juvenile Defense Attorney - Questionnaire

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Perhaps it would be good to look at the juvenile attorneys in your area ... just in case they press charges. Shoplifting is a crime. The things that are taken may not be as valuable compared to the embarrassment and discipline of being held, arrested, and charged with the crime. See the sources below...before you need them. It could change your mind about risking your future to a few minutes of "nerve testing".

Answer 5

How old are you? Stealing is a VERY bad thing. My mother had always taught me that if I couldnt have something, then I shouldnt have it. It sounds like you learned your lesson. You know, you're really lucky here, the wal mart people were going easy on you and trying to scare you. If they wanted, they could of called the police, since you are young (I'm guessing you are?) they are just probably scaring you a little, since they didnt take your name or info.

Answer 6

well first off its not a felony unless its over 500 dollars. second, how in the world would they know who you were, they were bluffing, unless of course you drove, then they'll have your plate number to find you.

just hope you have paris hiltons luck and the judge says video isnt enough evidence. but either way if you do get in trouble for it you can hire an attorney who will work out a 'no contest' plea for you, which boils down to some community service and a fine. but you will probably just be an accessory, and your underage, so welcome to slap on the wrist land. you'll be fine, just dont do it anymore

Answer 7

Technically they cant do anything to you unless they see you stealing. Also 80% of those little black ball cameras hanging from the ceiling actually dont have cameras in them. When you work at walmart you have to take these tests on the computer and they state "If you see someone shoplifting and they get out of your sight for even one second, management cant do anything about it." NOR can they chase you down or yell at you.

You have nothing to worry about. Stop stealing.

Answer 8

Yes they can! However, since you did not leave the store with the merchandise, I am not sure they could charge you with shoplifting even if they knew who you were!

You have a conscience, and you felt bad! I think you learned a valuable lesson that you were fortunate to not have been detained!

Answer 9

I'm a little confused at the end of your story, but it doesn't sound like you got outside the store with any property, since that's the case you haven't really commited a crime since you didn't leave the store with any property.

Doesn't fit the elements of a crime, no they can't press charges for a crime you haven't committed.

Answer 10

Trueblue is right...Since you didn't actually take anything out of the store, you didn't commit a crime. However, (for future reference) if the store can prove that you entered with the INTENT to steal they can charge you with burglary and that is a felony.