Should I Be Worried?

[recycledcoffee]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

I'm a freshly-turned-18 year old college student who's recently been facing some money troubles due to the state of the economy and the affect it's been having on the influx of customers at the restaurant I work in.
Today I did something that I deeply regret... I went to a CVS pharmacy today (in Alhambra, CA) and I was looking at some items in the skincare section (as I have bad skin) and a bottle of lotion caught my eye. The price also stood out to me ($17), and turned me off of buying it because it was more than double what I had expected to pay for the item. I bought a lip balm instead, as I was running low, but after I paid I returned to the lotion. Without thinking, I took it from the shelf and put it into the plastic bag I received for the lip balm, along with my keys, and walked through the doors of the pharmacy to leave. As I was leaving, the alarm went off asking me to return to the counter as I had triggered the Inventory Control System of the CVS. I panicked and walked to my car and drove away.


...What are the chances that I'll have to face something for this action? I'm extremely scared right now and I wish I could return the item but I know that's a foolish thing to do. I used their Extra Care card on the lip balm that I paid for, as I wasn't planning on doing this ... It was just a spur of the moment thing. I'm so embarrassed...

I don't even know what information I gave to them in order to sign up for the Extra Care card. I've had it for a few months now. I live less than five minutes away from the CVS location. If they knew it was me, would they be contacting me or coming to my home address right now? How long should I expect to wait to hear anything from them if they do decide to pursue it?

[recycledcoffee]

Could someone please reply and possibly answer any questions I have? I'm worried to death and I find myself obsessively refreshing this website's page. I've been reading other threads for something that might be similar or help me, but I'm still anxious...

[cyjeff]

Could someone please reply and possibly answer any questions I have? I'm worried to death and I find myself obsessively refreshing this website's page. I've been reading other threads for something that might be similar or help me, but I'm still anxious...

The volunteers here have day jobs. Sorry if we are not waiting when you need us.

The chances are remote that they will get you... but not impossible. They have to have the knowledge of a crime, the suspicion that you were involved, and the means to identify you.

All of which could be possible.

By the way, the fact that you thought the lotion was overpriced has nothing to do with you stealing it. You are not Robin Hood.

[recycledcoffee]

I'm sorry, I'm just scared about the possible outcome. I deserved that.

[panther10758]

I avoided this topic because its typical. Someone wants us to read minds or predict future. We cant and dont. We dont know what they saw or if they know or think its you so we cant answer your question. Just dont go back

[cyjeff]

And before you throw the lotion away, donate it to someone that can use it.

[kist]

The ones at walgreen go off on me all the time. I just ignore them walk to my car and drive away-same as you. So, looks like you got away with it. Go and sin no more.