I was at Walmart and I stole two small knives. I got caught. The security guy said that I have to pay a $150 fine. He said that he wasn't going to call the police. I gave him back the knives and the packaging. Will I have a criminal record? I am 18 btw
2007-07-22 12:02:19 · 8 answers · asked by k p 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
why were u stealing 2 small knives
2007-07-22 12:09:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the security guard was wanting to get a little cash on the side and let yo go. But since you opted to return them, I am assuming you got cited or locked up? If you did it will be on yor record for at least 5 yrs, but that will also depend on your state where you stole the knives. Each state has different laws but I believe 5 yrs is the average for a misdemeanor offense. Good luck!
2007-07-22 19:08:01 · answer #2 · answered by Herr Oberst 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's probably talking about a civil demand. It's not a scam, unless of course he asked you for $150 in cash, on the spot. A civil demand is widely used in shoplifting cases and its a fine administered by retailers' attorneys. If law enforcement wasn't notified and you were never charged with a crime, you won't have a criminal record. Just so you know, its totally up to the retailer whether or not they want to seek prosecution against shoplifters.
2007-07-22 19:12:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some stores have fines that they charge $150 being about the average. The store takes back the merchandise, collects the fine and then bans you from the store. Other stores call the cops on you immediately. It just depends on what specific store policy is.
2007-07-22 19:22:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely, your $150 will go to "the system", and will give you a criminal record. Even if you don't get caught, stealing is wrong.
2007-07-22 19:12:57 · answer #5 · answered by Billy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to get an attorney. There is something very strange going on here. No cops, yet you have a fine? Hmmm....sounds like the security guard is trying to scam some cash out of you. Go get an attorney.
2007-07-22 19:11:02 · answer #6 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on who you pay the fine to.
If you pay it to Wal-Mart, you're basically settling out of court (get it in writing that they won't press charges).
If you pay the court, then you're pleading guilty to the charge, and it would be on your record.
2007-07-22 19:06:42 · answer #7 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate thieves. I hope you do jail time. Work for your stuff like most honest people loser.
2007-07-22 19:10:06 · answer #8 · answered by Tbone 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋