Accused of Shoplifting - Didn't Do It

[iHeartMusic]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas
Age: 20


The last time I was in trouble was third grade, so this is extremely frustrating. I do not want this to show this on my record as I am in the process of finishing my graduate degree and applying for jobs.

Occurrence:
Received CC and went shopping. Found and item at a store, tired of carrying my personal belongings in my hand I threw everything in another shopping bang. I left the store, and the alarm went off, after rummaging through the shopping bag I realized that item was in there, immediately paid the $8, like I intended, after spending a couple hundred, that was not an issue. Left, alarm went off again, a pair off shorts, literally, 14 sizes too small were in the same bag. She insisted that the shorts were below some previous merchandise, most a result from the first incident. I was asked to go to the back, immediately complied knowing I did not intend any wrong doing. They got my information, I signed some paper that I stupidly did not read, police was not called, and she let me go. I asked to see the security cameras, but do not believe they have any.

Aftermath:
The value of the item I paid for was $8. Because the clothes is too small, I don't shop for clothing there and don't know the value of the second item that they found. I was sent a statutory civil "penalty" claim for the value of $350. I just realized today it was due two days ago. Trying to be a good citizen and just put this behind me I paid the fee today before midnight. However...as I read these threads it seems like I may have just admitted to guilt.

How do I proceed?

[aaron]

You proceed more carefully, so you don't accidentally take multiple items that you haven't yet purchased from stores in the future.

If they didn't involve the police and you paid the civil demand, odds are that nothing more is going to happen. But if you signed an agreement not to go to the store, you can be charged with trespass if you return to the store.