Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifting in NYC

[goodhed]

I was recently caught by LP at a major shopping store in Queens, NY. The whole thing was a stupid mistake on my part. I wanted to buy two wallets as gifts, my son was throwing tantrums and took one of wallets in his hand while being in his stroller. Since, I didn't have another place to keep the other one, I foolishly kept it in my pocket. I paid for the first one (both wallets were the same price @ $40) and started walking out without realizing about the second wallet. I got stopped over at the exit with my family and was questioned about the second item. I panicked and got taken into their security room. They made me sign two forms, details sheet and told me that I will have to pay 3 times the cost of the item along with being banned for the next 7 years. I fully co-operated with the LP and no police was called. This is the first time this has ever happened to me and I feel really scared of the repercussions of this. I work for a Fortune 100 company and don't want this to affect my career. I have also been an avid shopper at this store for the last 4-5 years and feels bad about this whole thing. Is there anything I can do to rectify the situation apart from paying the fine from the civil demand?

 

[mightymoose]

You can choose to not pay the civil demand. If you don't pay it the store MIGHT pursue criminal charges, but will more likely try to scare you into paying up. It costs less for the store to scare you into submission than it does to follow a petty case through criminal court.
You certainly should not have put unpaid merchandise in your pocket, but you are entitled to the same due process as everyone else.
Before you pay the demand or do anything else I suggest you take the demand letter to an attorney you trust for advice on how to proceed.
The demand letter does not carry any force of law requiring you to take any action at all. You owe nothing until a court orders you to pay.

 

[shrinkmaster]

I am a retail theft consultant and always advise my clients to pay Civil Demand. Read this http://www.parentnook.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3934 Where it is not often a retailer uses all its "legal" options to collect Civil Demand they still can. so its up to you whether or not you want tor risk criminal prosecution, poor credit report or law suit (could wind up over a thousand) or all three. Yes the letter is a scare tactic but its back up by law. Again it sup to you if you want to take that risk. I have worked with these companies and yes some of them can and do get aggressive in pursuing these funds. It depends on a lot of different factors, so again are you willing to gamble?

 

[goodhed]

I am willing to pay the civil demand and related charges. I just don't want this to show up as a negative spot in any form for my career. Will this show up in any databases that could adversely impact my employment possibilities with other companies? I love shopping at this place and just feel bad about being unable to go their for 7 years. Is there any point in talking to the customer services team at the company to explain the situation and get this behind me somehow? Appreciate all the help.

 

[goodhed]

Infact, I did admit my fault and offered to pay for the item but the LP guy said it was too late.

 

[army judge]

Infact, I did admit my fault and offered to pay for the item but the LP guy said it was too late.

You should speak to an attorney about ALL of this before you do anything further.
You may already have done significant damage to your reputation by doing the things you have already done.

Please remember that you, as is any of us, are protected constitutionally from incriminating ourselves. We ALL have the RIGHT to refuse to answer any questions from law enforcement, or any other person investigating a crime.

You are always better off by simply saying, "Sorry, I wish to invoke my RIGHT to remain silent, and politely decline to discuss this further until I speak with an attorney. Thank you!"

Some will attempt to use many tricks, techniques, and clever tactics to break your will, get you to feel remorse, make you feel like the devil, but stand your ground calmly, politely, and firmly.

It's NEVER in your best interests legally to admit to ANYTHING, until you've consulted with a lawyer. No lawyer worth his or her license will advise you to the contrary.

Confessions ate best left within the purview of religious leaders, churches, mosques, temples, and places of worship. Confess only to your deity, if that gives you respite. Confessions to police, law enforcement, or for any matter WITHOUT consulting YOUR attorney will only bring you regret.

You also must understand that the police, a security officer, or anyone else are NOT authorized to offer you any deal. These deals come from the prosecutor. If such a deal is on the table, have your attorney review the deal, advise you about the deal, and how you should proceed. Defendants that attempt to negotiate their own deals alone, are likely to see these deals EVAPORATE or VANISH, yet they are left with their admissions or confessions. The deal, a valid deal or offer, is always in writing, and must ultimately be approved by the judge presiding over your case.

Don't worry about spilled milk, it's too late to look back. DO look forward, and speak with an attorney before you plead, admit, or agree to anything. Finally, never agree to anything until its been reviewed by YOUR attorney, and it's been reduced to writing. You must always understand every aspect if such a deal. That isn't easy without YOUR attorney advising you every step of the way.

Good luck.

 

[Betty3]

You said you wanted to buy two wallets but when you went to pay, you didn't remember that & only paid for one wallet? It could happen but seems suspicious. You definitely shouldn't have kept any merchandise you didn't pay for yet in your pocket. Anyway, you might want to talk to an attorney as suggested above.