I was detained at a Seattle supermarket back in March for shoplifting $27.50 worth in two items. I am 19 years old and this is my first ever offense. Police weren't involved because I was deemed cooperative, and no mention of court or any sort of citation except for a civil demand notice. I signed a 1-year ban notice and a paper with description and total of the items returned. My DL was also copied and returned to me. For some reason, my debit card was also examined. After being told I'd be receiving a civil demand, I was then escorted outside.
Two weeks later I received the civil demand, which was then paid via money order to a 'Phoenix Security Corp' in Spokane. Now, I have done research since this incident and understand the security company can decide to file the paperwork with the court at any point up to two years after the date. I have spoken to some WA state lawyers and they deem criminal prosecution at this point unlikely.
However, as much as I want to believe this ordeal is over, my concern at the moment is the fact I received my civil demand notice at my college dorm mailing address in Seattle. This is the address I gave the LP agents who I assume put that in their report. Now if the papers are filed and the court were to go ahead mailing a summons for arraignment, will they use my official home address (as shown on my license) or will they try sending it to my dorm which I moved out of in May? The dorm forwards mail to me up until August 5th before they return mail back to sender. Is there a way to make sure the court has my correct address even though I may not even have anything filed against me?
I've also been checking the name search feature on the King County and Seattle Municipal Court Websites and although they seem to show when cases are filed, I'm concerned as to whether this is a way to find out if charges are filed for me? Are the sites reliable for finding the potential case?
Thank you ahead for taking time reading my question. I would greatly appreciate any advice or help on the matter. I wish to take responsibility for my actions and don't want any trouble if the courts were to contact me. Any help will ceertainly be a big relief for my nerves.
Two weeks later I received the civil demand, which was then paid via money order to a 'Phoenix Security Corp' in Spokane. Now, I have done research since this incident and understand the security company can decide to file the paperwork with the court at any point up to two years after the date. I have spoken to some WA state lawyers and they deem criminal prosecution at this point unlikely.
However, as much as I want to believe this ordeal is over, my concern at the moment is the fact I received my civil demand notice at my college dorm mailing address in Seattle. This is the address I gave the LP agents who I assume put that in their report. Now if the papers are filed and the court were to go ahead mailing a summons for arraignment, will they use my official home address (as shown on my license) or will they try sending it to my dorm which I moved out of in May? The dorm forwards mail to me up until August 5th before they return mail back to sender. Is there a way to make sure the court has my correct address even though I may not even have anything filed against me?
I've also been checking the name search feature on the King County and Seattle Municipal Court Websites and although they seem to show when cases are filed, I'm concerned as to whether this is a way to find out if charges are filed for me? Are the sites reliable for finding the potential case?
Thank you ahead for taking time reading my question. I would greatly appreciate any advice or help on the matter. I wish to take responsibility for my actions and don't want any trouble if the courts were to contact me. Any help will ceertainly be a big relief for my nerves.
