Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifting Need Advice

[guestpost]

I was caught shoplifting today. I live in California. It was my first offense. I was told to fill out and sign two different forms. The first form I had to fill out was one about some basic info (name, address, height, weight, etc) and the second one was acknowledging that I would receive a Civil Demand letter from a Law Office sometime in the future. They told me that they were not going to take any further action beyond barring me from their store and for me to pay a civil demand fee that will be sent to me in a future notice. They also took a picture of me with the items I took and again warned me never to return to their store or I will be charged with trespassing. After that, I was free to go. The police were not called. My question is, what will likely happen next given these particular circumstances? Will the police still get involved and will criminal charges be filed? I'm expecting to receive the Civil Demand letter seeking payment and will do so when the time comes. Will it remain a civil case or could it possibly be both civil and criminal? Can anyone offer any other advice, course of action or share personal experiences regarding the situation I'm in? I am sick with worry.

 

[CdwJava]

It is highly unlikely that this will become a criminal matter at this point. The state has one year to file misdemeanor charges against you should they choose to do so. Under the circumstances as you have outlined them, I doubt the store will report this to the police.

Go forth and sin no more.

 

[shrinkmaster]

The store has nothing to gain by filing a criminal complaint unless you fail to pay Civil Demand (few hundred dollars). As CDWJava says you have little to worry about.