Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Question about theft

[sarahsmith01]

my friend stole a couple items from the store he works at totalling about $600. He was confronted by the owner and the owner asked to search his house for stolen items, on the way to the house he was told that if he confessed owner wouldn't call the cops. He confessed and the cops were called anyway. They gave him a court date a month from now and the owner of the store says he wants to press charges, but he also decided to let the guy keep his job as long as he returns the stolen items (which has already been done), paid full retail price for said items (arangements have been made to garnish wages) and apologized to each employee in the store. Does he have any options since they've already come to an agreement to pay restitutions and the store still has him employed?

 

[jacksgal]

He should be able to get charges dropped at this point. The only problem is this might be a felony

 

[army judge]

Never admit to anything without consulting an attorney. I suggest he retain one, or ask the court to appoint one. He will most likely lose his job, after he has the money taken from his wages. This is something that requires legal counsel, court appointed or privately retained. This is out of the owner's hands now!

 

[mightymoose]

This probably is a felony.
Although they came to a civil agreement regarding the damages, that does not necessarily erase the criminal act. It will be up to the District Attorney whether or not to proceed with prosecution.

I am not clear though... he returned the property AND paid full retail price? So... he did not keep the property he paid for? That doesn't sound right.

 

[sarahsmith01]

No, when the owner was at the house he had someone from the store come over with a truck and take the furniture. He then said that if he wanted to keep his job he would have to pay for the furniture and apologize to everyone. The owner of the store is known to be a shady person that uses the bully tactic for everything and my friend has never been in trouble with the law and doesn't know his rights, he just agreed to whatever was presented to him to try and get out of trouble, now I'm trying to figure out how to backpedal and see what can be done. Not only did the friend have to pay full retail price, but the store owner then turned around and sold the furniture the very next day, so he made a HUGE profit on the merchandise, doesn't really seem right....

 

[sarahsmith01]

Oh, and it's not considered a felony because it's under $750, the cops that were called to the house verified that it is a misdemeanor

 

[army judge]

If the person paid $600, I hope he/she obtained proof of payment.

If they did, I'd sue the guy for my furniture or my money.

Then, I'd quit.

 

[mightymoose]

If your friend paid money for something then he should have something to show for it... in this case the furniture. Hopefully he has proof that he made a payment.
Since the furniture was sold to someone else, the best solution is probably to seek a refund from the boss.... and if he refuses the court will assist. The boss doesn't have much of a defense for his action here.