Caught Shoplifting at Walmart in Pennsylvania

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania

Hi, I'm 20 years old, working on going back to school and working part time. Tonight I was caught in walmart shoplifting what would literally be a $4.00 item. The person who caught me didn't exactly see me slip anything into my pocket, but they did follow me and find the empty package from what I took. As I was leaving the store, he pulled me aside and took me into the back to fill out the loss prevention paperwork. He asked for my ID, proceeded to ask if my hair colour and eye colour were their real shade.

He also told me I would not be banned from the store and that he wasn't going to call the police. The ordeal itself only took about 5 minutes. They have the papers about me and a picture of me on file now. He also said I may or may not receive something in the mail regarding the incident from Walmart itself or their lawyers.

My questions are, what happens from this point forward? Will this go on my record as a misdemeanor? I myself work in retail. Will the company I work for get a update about this? Could I lose my job? Will I get a fine? Is there anything I can do to get out of this with an unscathed record?

Also, if they didn't call the police, do you think they'll press charges?


Anything can help! Please help ease my mind.

It seems that since the amount was low they just took your information,so other lps can be aware of any attempted theft by you in the future and they're might be a chance they file a civil demand,if so I would just pay it off. It seems like you most likely dodged a bullet and avoided any criminal charges. He might of entered your information in to a shoplifting database. Consider yourself lucky some place will call the police over a small amount and that could cause a lot of hassle.

Thanks for your reply. I figured most of this but I still have an intense fear that this can still get worse. =/

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Quoting AnxiousAndScared

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Thanks for your reply. I figured most of this but I still have an intense fear that this can still get worse. =/

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On a side and kind of funny note, RUN next time! lol they can only chase you to the edge of their companies property legally, if they catch you after that you cannot be charged.

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Quoting Ravenlocke

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On a side and kind of funny note, RUN next time! lol they can only chase you to the edge of their companies property legally, if they catch you after that you cannot be charged.

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I would advise you not to listen to this assclown.

I also advise you to stop shoplifting.

One day...that $4.00 item is gonna cost you over a $1000......and make a job search really difficult.

But if you want to listen to the idiot and run like hell, go for it...I mean, silver bracelets, a ride to the station in the back of a cop car, and a lot of money for a lawyer is the best advice there is, right?

I don't plan on shoplifting again, and I don't plan on listening to that person above you.

But you're post really doesn't seem to answer any of my questions.

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Quoting Ravenlocke

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On a side and kind of funny note, RUN next time! lol they can only chase you to the edge of their companies property legally, if they catch you after that you cannot be charged.

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This is false information. All companies who apprehend thieves have different policies. There is NO LAW that restricts them to "only chase you to the edge of their companies property."

And certainly you can be charged even if you escape their immediate apprehension.

What is likely going to happen is you will get a letter form Wal*Mart's lawyers demanding a few hundred dollars in restitution. If they didn't report it to the police immediately, it's likely they are not going to at all. In addition, you'll probably be added to the NRTD which may make it hard to get a job in retail.