This all took place in a Target in Atlanta, GA.
So yesterday I was caught for doing something incredibly stupid, namely changing the price tag on a set of DVDs valued at $180 to one for $20. I paid for the lower priced item and was stopped at the door by LP. They brought me into the back and informed me that for anything above $40 they were required to call the police. I was never read my rights, but the officer did tell me that he was required to take me to the station where I would absolutely go to jail. It appears to me from reading these threads that he could have let me off with a citation to appear at court as it was a misdemeanor and it was my first ever offense. They had me sign a statement for Target's records accepting blame for the act. I was taken to jail, processed and fingerprinted and then allowed to sign my own bond after 6 hours in jail.
I am wondering a few things: First, is it possible for me to avoid having a permanent record for this action in any way? I am a graduate student and this could be a terrible stain on my career if it reflects on my permanent record. Second, is what could Target do about this- do they have the right to request that I reimburse them, even though they recovered the merchandise and no permanent harm was done to anyone or anything (besides potentially my record!) Third, I was told in jail by the woman who took care of my bond that I would most likely not have a trial for 6-12 months and that there is a good chance the "witness" (security guard at Target) would not end up showing up and the case would be thrown out- is that common? The police officer had originally told me my trial would be the next day (today) and even called Target to tell the witness, but while I was in jail they told me that I would get a trial date by mail so I did not make any effort to show up today (I was never told where to go today anyway).
Any advice anyone can give me would be great! I am 24 and this may not be the first stupid thing I've ever done, but it is the first (and last!) criminally stupid thing I've ever done...I'm quite scared about having it reflecting on me for the rest of my life.
thanks for anything in advance,
Matt
So yesterday I was caught for doing something incredibly stupid, namely changing the price tag on a set of DVDs valued at $180 to one for $20. I paid for the lower priced item and was stopped at the door by LP. They brought me into the back and informed me that for anything above $40 they were required to call the police. I was never read my rights, but the officer did tell me that he was required to take me to the station where I would absolutely go to jail. It appears to me from reading these threads that he could have let me off with a citation to appear at court as it was a misdemeanor and it was my first ever offense. They had me sign a statement for Target's records accepting blame for the act. I was taken to jail, processed and fingerprinted and then allowed to sign my own bond after 6 hours in jail.
I am wondering a few things: First, is it possible for me to avoid having a permanent record for this action in any way? I am a graduate student and this could be a terrible stain on my career if it reflects on my permanent record. Second, is what could Target do about this- do they have the right to request that I reimburse them, even though they recovered the merchandise and no permanent harm was done to anyone or anything (besides potentially my record!) Third, I was told in jail by the woman who took care of my bond that I would most likely not have a trial for 6-12 months and that there is a good chance the "witness" (security guard at Target) would not end up showing up and the case would be thrown out- is that common? The police officer had originally told me my trial would be the next day (today) and even called Target to tell the witness, but while I was in jail they told me that I would get a trial date by mail so I did not make any effort to show up today (I was never told where to go today anyway).
Any advice anyone can give me would be great! I am 24 and this may not be the first stupid thing I've ever done, but it is the first (and last!) criminally stupid thing I've ever done...I'm quite scared about having it reflecting on me for the rest of my life.
thanks for anything in advance,
Matt
