Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Caught shoplifting, first time, sixteen...

[Dashboard]

I was caught shoplifting in October of this year and I'm 16. The LP stopped me at the door and took me to the back. I stole from a major retailer in San Diego, California some gel pads worth about 15 dollars. He asked me if I had anything and I lied and said no (which was a stupid choice) They called my dad and we waited until he arrived. One of them threatened to call the police if "I didn't keep my mouth shut and stop asking questions" I pleaded with him to just explain to me a few things. The other one was more tolerant and told me that the favor they're doing for me is not calling the police and he assured that this would not go on any record and no employers would find out though I'd have to face the civil demands notice. We received it a week later and paid just now since we had a second chance to make the payment in the form of monthly installments. I'm fine with paying the civil demand. However, I'm scared I will still be prosecuted. The statute of limitation is up to a year for my crime which I'm assuming is petty theft misdemeanor. Is it likely that despite the LP saying the corporation wouldn't press charges, I'll still receive a court notice up to a year later? Would just paying off the demand keep them from pursuing criminal charges ?

 

[thelawjournal]

Long as you pay Civil Demand and do not violate any ban you might have got you should be fine

 

[Dashboard]

Thank you very much for the prompt reply. If however they did press charges would I likely qualify for a diversion program ? seeing as it is my first crime. And if I was charged, this would disappear at 18 once they sealed the juvenile record I'd receive right ? thanks again

 

[thelawjournal]

Don't panic its not likely they will charge you now. Yes if that happened under criteria for most Diversion programs you should be ok. Its a commonly believed Myth that records disappear once you turn 18. As stated thats a Myth. However Diversion (if needed) will take care of that