When Can a Store Prosecute You for Stealing

[Chris1994]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas

I had a weak moment of character and integrity and shoplifted from walmart. I was taken to this room with all the camera's by LP. It was my first time so they said it's a warning. They took down information from my license, gave me a letter with corporate's number and to call in 14 days for information. They told me that items under $10 are likely to have nothing happen, and my item was 9.98. Although from research i've been doing, chances are I will likely get a civil demands.
I also read that some people have been prosecuted even after paying the civil demands.

So I guess my question is that if I comply and pay the civil demands, can they still take me to court and sue or prosecute me? I turned 18 a few weeks ago and I really don't want something on my record since I will be trying to get into medical or dental school in the future.

[jk]

So I guess my question is that if I comply and pay the civil demands, can they still take me to court and sue or prosecute me?

they can still file a complaint with the police/prosecutor regardless what you do. If the prosecutor decides to prosecute, he can do so.

I turned 18 a few weeks ago and I really don't want something on my record since I will be trying to get into medical or dental school in the future

the time to think about that was before you stole something, not after. Now, you simply have to live with the consequences which you have no control over.

[PandorasBox]

You have a 99.999999% chance of getting a Civil Demand Letter. You would have to research the law in your state, but it would likely be for the minimum they can ask. It does say the maximum for theft under $50 is $500. I would expect less though.

Shoplifting is expensive....

[Chris1994]

Yea I figured I would get a civil demand. I made a stupid mistake and I'll gladly pay the civil demand, but what worries me is if they will prosecute. I don't want to go to court which would cost more money (which i probably can't pay for) and I don't want something on my record.
I know walmart had that under $25 dollar policy then they don't prosecute, but that policy isn't set in stone, and some people who stole 4 bucks have been prosecuted. I just hope I'm one of the lucky few that don't get taken to court.

[cbg]

Give me one good reason why they SHOULDN'T prosecute.

And if you tell me that they shouldn't prosecute because you're such a good kid who never did such a thing before and won't ever do it again, I may throw up.

[free9man]

Yea I figured I would get a civil demand. I made a stupid mistake and I'll gladly pay the civil demand, but what worries me is if they will prosecute. I don't want to go to court which would cost more money (which i probably can't pay for) and I don't want something on my record.
I know walmart had that under $25 dollar policy then they don't prosecute, but that policy isn't set in stone, and some people who stole 4 bucks have been prosecuted. I just hope I'm one of the lucky few that don't get taken to court.

Key word is in bold. They had a policy and it was thoroughly covered in the news. Guess what...thieves started staying under $25. Yes, WM still got their civil demand but that wasn't much of a deterrent apparently so they went back to the tried and true "steal anything and we prosecute."

[yellowcup]

Can I ask you what happened after that? Did you receive anything in the mail? If so, did they charge you anything?

[Chris1994]

@Yellowcup

I have yet to receive anything in the mail. I called their shoplifting number about a week ago, and they told me that Walmart will not be pursing civil penalty's in my case. This was a relief for me, but being the worry wart that I am, I did some more browsing on the internet, and some people still receive a fine/civil demand/restitution in their cases. Also found a story about someone who shoplifted, and received their letter 11 months after the incident! So who knows. I may call them again in a few weeks to maybe a month or two just to check up on the incident. Seeing as how you made an account to ask the forums like me, idk if you'll read this again, but if you want. Check back sometime, and I may update it in my case, and you update yours, A lot of problems with the other cases online is, no follow up.