Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Got shoplifting at (deleted) in souther California

anon1122

New Member
so yesterday I got caught shoplifting two items from (deleted). I was being so stupid and I feel so guilty from what I have done. basically after snatching the two items, I actually purchased something and when I went out the door, a man comes up to me saying that he's part of security and that I need to follow him. he took me into a tiny room in the back where the videos from the cctv cameras are at. he said that if I cooperate, there would be no police involved. he checked my bag which had a makeup product and a makeup brush that I have taken. (about 50 worth in total). he asked me questions and for my infromation. (by the way, forgot to mention, but I am a minor) He then made me sign a form that said I was banned to enter any (deleted). Like I said before no cops were involoved but he did say that I would receive a mail in a couple weeks and told me to call the number on the bottom of the letter. (to pay my ticket). I asked how much it would cost and he said that if I told them the truth of what happened, and told them if I had any financial problems to let them know, and maybe it would slide or as he said "they will work it out." my family isn't rich and I feel terrible for having my parents pay up for something that I did. I just wanted to know how much this ticket fee would cost because he said he was unsure.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Expect it to be a few hundred dollars.
Whether to pay it or not is another question. It is not a fine and paying is completely voluntary, but failing to pay could lead to further court action.
I recommend you tell your parents what happened and when the letter comes have them take it to a local attorney for a quick and possibly free consult to determine what to do.
 
I am a retail theft consultant and answer questions like yours daily. Your fine will be between $50.00 to $1000.00 depending on circumstances of case and local laws. The recovery firm will likely agree to a payment plan but do not miss a payment of send a late payment! The consequences for not pay can be long term and severe look at these two links

http://www.parentnook.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3934

http://www.thelaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59980

It was also unwise to name store on public forum
 
California caps the damages at $500. Expect a demand less than that. It wouldn't be more than $500 unless it ever went to court, which most attorneys will tell you is very unlikely to happen. Pursuing petty shoplifters in civil court for amounts they can't afford to pay and likely never will anyway simply isn't cost effective.
These demands are made with full knowledge that most will never pay.
 
I removed the name of the store from your post for your protection. It is your decision along with your parents whether to pay the civil demand - read other responders' posts above re civil demand letters.
 
Back
Top