Caught shoplifting - What's gonna happen?

[dollee]

I got caught stealing 10 dollars worth of stuff at Walmart today in Massachusetts. I feel really stupid, and I'm not a serial shoplifter, i've almost never done it. Anyway, they said I can never come in that store again, and made me sign something acknowledging that. But I was confused about the rest. They didn't call the police, so I guess they aren't gonna file charges, but they said they'll file a report with the state and they'll mail me a civil demand or something like that. What exactly is a civil demand. The security guard said it was to repay the store for damages I caused, but I didn't cause any damages cause the products were all sealed and returned, and he said the fine could be up to 500 dollars. If they send me this civil demand for a large amount, is it worth it to talk to a lawyer? or should I just pay up. The security guard also told me that if I came inside with him I could either give the product back or pay for it, but once I was back inside he wouldn't let me pay. I'm guessing he's allowed to lie to me though since I'm stealing from his store =(

I'm never stealing again, that's for sure. I learned my lesson and I'm glad it was a small enough amount that they didn't call the police.


Anyway, can someone explain this civil demand thing and what my rights/options are with it?

[seniorjudge]

I got caught stealing 10 dollars worth of stuff at Walmart today in Massachusetts. I feel really stupid, and I'm not a serial shoplifter, i've almost never done it. Anyway, they said I can never come in that store again, and made me sign something acknowledging that. But I was confused about the rest. They didn't call the police, so I guess they aren't gonna file charges, but they said they'll file a report with the state and they'll mail me a civil demand or something like that. What exactly is a civil demand. The security guard said it was to repay the store for damages I caused, but I didn't cause any damages cause the products were all sealed and returned, and he said the fine could be up to 500 dollars. If they send me this civil demand for a large amount, is it worth it to talk to a lawyer? or should I just pay up. The security guard also told me that if I came inside with him I could either give the product back or pay for it, but once I was back inside he wouldn't let me pay. I'm guessing he's allowed to lie to me though since I'm stealing from his store =(

I'm never stealing again, that's for sure. I learned my lesson and I'm glad it was a small enough amount that they didn't call the police.


Anyway, can someone explain this civil demand thing and what my rights/options are with it?

You will get letter asking you for money. Pay it.

If you don't hear from them soon, I suggest you contact them.

[dollee]

You will get letter asking you for money. Pay it.

If you don't hear from them soon, I suggest you contact them.

contact Walmart, or my state govornment? And can they really charge me 500 dollars for stealing 10 dollars worth of stuff?

[Neal1421]

Contact Walmart.

Yes they can really charge you $500.

[dollee]

Ok, I guess i'll just wait for the civil demand to come in the mail.

One last thing though- if they never called the police or filed charges when I was caught, can I be sure that the police will never be involved if i pay my civil demand? I assume since they just let me go without calling the cops, that they never plan to involve the cops. Or are the cops gonna show up at my door in 2 weeks? I'm scared of that.

[seniorjudge]

Q: One last thing though- if they never called the police or filed charges when I was caught, can I be sure that the police will never be involved if i pay my civil demand?

A: If I could answer questions like that, I wouldn't be posting here. I would be at the casino!

[dollee]

what happens if I don't pay the civil demand of walmart? if it's like 500 dollars, that's a hell of a lot of money to pay. I know I broke the law and was stupid, but hundreds of dollars is a big penalty. Maybe I deserve it, probably, but I'm still wondering what happens if you don't pay. Will walmart then file police charges? or take you to court? or what

[panther10758]

You were not worried about monies Walmart lost why should they worry about yours? You did the crime now deal with it! The amount can vary and even if high you can often make payment arrangements

[lithium]

I'm not sure why 2/3 of the comments in every thread are personal opinions. It kind of takes away from the "expertlaw" aspect of the site.

Anyway, this might be useful:
http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/13/news...ters/index.htm

If you don't pay the civil demand, Wal-mart can take you to small claims court. When I was in your situation, my lawyer advised me to simply pay the demand and be done with it. If you don't pay and Wal-mart does decide to take you to court, you'll end up spending much more money.

[Nariya]

what happens if I don't pay the civil demand of walmart? if it's like 500 dollars, that's a hell of a lot of money to pay. I know I broke the law and was stupid, but hundreds of dollars is a big penalty. Maybe I deserve it, probably, but I'm still wondering what happens if you don't pay. Will walmart then file police charges? or take you to court? or what

The demand from Walmart is a civil demand, and if you don't pay it, you don't necessarily go to jail. But you face the risk that they haul you to civil court for it, and also having your credit rating screwed up. It's a good idea to just pay it.