Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Need advice on Shoplifting

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I was caught shoplifting at a clothing shop operated by Store name, Inc. Total merchandise value is $68. This is a totally stupid lapse of mind/mistake and this is the first time ever. Store manager brought me to the back room, cleared my handbag, got my driver's license + social no., had all info down on their file, and had me sign a "No Trespass" agreement banning me to enter any of their stores in the country. Then she issued a "Civil Demand Customer Notice" to me, which states their coporate attorney will send me a letter in the near future, explaining the amount of monetary damages (ie value of merchandise, cost of security, and any other lawful restitution) Store name Inc. will be seeking. At end of that notice there's their Law Office contact number. My question is will I be charges? Will I have to go to the court (city, county, or state?)? And will I go to jail for this? I am very worried and scared.
 
No, the store didn't call the polic. They called store security and mall security to escort me out of the premise at the end of paperwork.
 
from what i understand, its a really good thing they didnt call the police. i really wish they hadnt when i got caught. =/
 
Police was not involved in the whole procedure. However, because the store had my driver's license AND social security number on their file, I'm really worried with these information their corporate counsel will be able to press a charge against me and send me a court notice, besides their monetary damages claim.
 
Thye have until the statute of limitations runs out to file charges. That is likely about one year. However if di dnot call Police then its unlikely they will file charges now. Just pay your civil demand so not to provoke that filing
 
The incident is in GA, as laws differ among states. Should I hire a lawyer? I heard that if I just pay whatver the company claims, that is equal to admitting guilty and that will be on my record for the rest of my life. Is it true? Once it's on my civil/criminal record, it will be on my credit report - which not only affects my credit score but also ruins my job seeking, I suppose?
 
I would certainly hope it won't pop up on my criminal record. But what about any type of background check database that companies nowadays use before hiring a new employee? I am afraid that my name will be in that database and nobody will hire me in the future.
 
Thank you for comments. I will certainly pay for the Civil Demand, but gathered from the forum threads it can take from days to months for the Civil Demand mail to arrive and I can never sleep before that. How can I find out if or if not the company reported this incident to the police after I left the store? Should I proactively approach the company's law office to inquire?

If the company chooses not yet to report me to the police and charge me before the Civil Demand and I pay the demand, is there any way for me to know if they will still consider and take action to file a criminal report/charge even after they receive the payment?

I know nobody here is psychics and who knows what the company will do, but I'm desperate here. Will it help if I take initiative to complete some shoplifting prevention/correction program and present course completion to the victim company together with payment of the Civil Demand?
 
Thank you for comments. I will certainly pay for the Civil Demand, but gathered from the forum threads it can take from days to months for the Civil Demand mail to arrive and I can never sleep before that. How can I find out if or if not the company reported this incident to the police after I left the store?YOu can call and ask but that might provoke the filing Should I proactively approach the company's law office to inquire?The company Law firm will have nothing to do with the filing of criminal charges

If the company chooses not yet to report me to the police and charge me before the Civil Demand and I pay the demand, is there any way for me to know if they will still consider and take action to file a criminal report/charge even after they receive the payment? No ther ei sno way until your contacted with a summons or with Police contact

I know nobody here is psychics and who knows what the company will do, but I'm desperate here. Will it help if I take initiative to complete some shoplifting prevention/correction program and present course completion to the victim company together with payment of the Civil Demand? The store only cartes that you pay Civil Demand and not about any course you might take
 
Pay the fine or it can ruin your credit.

Your name may or may not be in a database.

You are banned from the store.

That is pretty much it. Move on with your life and steal no more.
 
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