Class a Misdemeanor for $9.95 Item

[cedmundson]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Indiana

i was recently caught with 3 friends for shoplifting an item that was under 10$ at Walmart in Marion county. I was given a Class A misdemeanor and was taken to jail because one of the friends just happened to leave his wallet at home. i have already gone to a few court dates and was given a PD but not asked whether or not if i pleaded guilty. My question is before i get to talk to my pd, what should i expect for my punishment?

to add onto this, the guy stopped us outside of the store and wouldn't tell us who he was when we asked him. when we got to the little room my friend asked him whether or not he was a cop and he didn't reply. When my other friend asked to use the restroom the guy told us to just sit and be quiet. I had to go to but after that i assumed he would say no so i held it. Is that grounds for kidnapping? just curious from other cases i've read about and whether or not that applied to this situation.

[Security Consultant]

I expect you will meet with your PD before your hearing. As far as "kidnapping." No - he was not required to take you or your friend to the bathroom.

[cedmundson]

right but for something that small in price the people at walmart even said they were not going to file a civil charge or whatever its called. i was just wondering what usually happens in this situation

[Security Consultant]

The "civil charge" is called a Civil Demand, which is totally separate from the criminal. You were probably charged with criminal conversion and only a discussion with your PD will give you the answer to your question as not all cases are handled the same. Even though you said they wouldn't file a civil charge, what you can expect is a Civil Demand letter from Walmart's attorneys asking for civil restitution. If you don't pay you can expect them to file a civil suit.