Caught Shoplifting from Mervyn's in California

Hi everyone. I was caught shoplifting from Mervyn's in California 3 weeks ago. In comparison, I guess my ordeal was more pleasant than a lot of people's on here, but that hasn't gotten me to stop worrying and shaking. I took a necklace and stuffed the wrapper in a pants pocket. I walked out of the store to the parking lot and got about 10 ft when a guy ran up to me and tapped me on the shoulder and say "Hey kid, which one did you take?" I almost peed myself! I immediately started to cry and reached in my pocket to give him the necklace but he held my arm before I could take it out and told me to stop. Then we walked back into the store where he escorted me up the escalators and as we were going up he asked my age and when I told him I was 17 he said "Shouldn't you be in school right now?" and I said "No, we got out early today for professional development." which was the truth. He just nodded and smiled and said "Professional development?" and I said "Yeah, its when the teachers and students get extra time to work on the curriculum and schoolwork" and he said "Cool" and smiled again. When got to the 2nd floor we walked into this white room with a bunch of cabinets and a desk and he asked if I had any prior convictions and I said no, which is the truth also. Then he said "Well kid, since this is your first time I'm gonna go easy on you. Just tell the truth from this point forward and I'll be easy" or something to that effect. Then he asked me my info (name, address, phone #, parents name, social security) and he asked if I had my California ID and I said no, and he said he'd have to call the police if I didn't have a form of ID, and he took my school ID instead. He was writing out the story of what he saw in the video, which made me nervous because I thought he was writing a police report, but he said he wouldn't prosecute me, so I guess he was writing it for his own files? He tried to call my parents, but since my parents are both busy workers neither picked up the phone. He sighed and said he'd have to call the police, and when he did, a police officer that was already in the mall came up to the store where we were and said "Hey what's going on up here? What're you in here for young lady?" and I said "Stealing." and he said "Now what would make you do a thing like that?" and I said "Peer pressure." then he went on with a little anecdote that ended with "If your friends jump off a bridge, let em, just don't jump off right behind em." and then he told the security/LP guy and said "Man, you don't need me here. Just 602 (I think that's what he said) and let her leave with mall security." and then he smiled at me and said "Keep outta trouble, you hear? I don't wanna see your name in the funny papers." I have no idea what that meant but I just nodded and smiled through my tears, I was so scared. I felt like I was in a movie. The police officer was so lax, during the whole conversation he was eating a soft pretzel and slurping soda like it was no big deal, but I guess he handles theft often. What is 602, if that's even what he said? Now I'm nervous because I'm not sure if I technically plead guilty already (even though I am!). Anyway, the officer left and mall security arrived and walked me out of the mall. He walked me all the way through the mall to the other side (unfortunately, I was parked right outside of Mervyn's, which meant I had to walk all the way around the mall to get back to my car... it gave me time to regret and think about what I did, although the mall security didn't know I drove.) But before I was escorted out I had to sign a release paper and some other paper but he never explained it and I was so nervous that I didn't read it, I could barely sign it legibly! And the mall security made me sign a trespass note and even called my house to make sure my mother knew about it! Fortunately, I went home right after the ordeal and got the message before my parents.

Anyway, I haven't told my parents, and I won't unless I get a summons to court, which the security/LP guy said he wouldn't do. I got a civil demand letter in the mail, and since I just got enough money (graduation gift money) to pay for it, I'm gonna get a money order and pay for it ASAP. I'm so scared about this all (and I should be, serves me right :rolleyes: ). I haven't been able to sleep, eat, I'm afraid to leave the house, and I'm more paranoid than ever! And that doesn't help my nerves at all because I already have ADHD. :( I'm just really nervous about what could happen even if I pay the civil demand. They could still prosecute me and that scares the daylights outta me! At the end of the civil demand it even says something along the lines of "Payment of civil demand does not preclude prosecution." I'm just so sorry about what happened. I'm sorry for being dishonest, pathetic, selfish, and taking time outta those officer's lives. I've never been more sorry and apologetic in my life. I apologized to the security/LP guy repeatedly (not to get out of trouble or anything, but because I was sincerely sorry) and he said "It's ok, it's ok, you're not the worst I've had. At least you cooperated." Does anyone know what the likelihood of prosecution is? I know that your guess is as good as mine, but some of you guys are more experienced in this area than I am. And if you were in a similar situation as me, please share your story! Maybe it'll help me lighten up a bit.

Thanks for reading, and sorry my story is so long, I just wanted to provide details for better understanding.

edit: Sorry I forgot to add that he took a picture of me, and the mall security took a picture also, which means I'm not allowed in the mall either.

I think it is best to tell your parents before they tell you. It will be better to have your parents know about it so they can be prepared in case you may need a private attorney.

Thanks for replying. I should have told them when it happened, if I tell them now it's only gonna be worse, ayiyi. The only reason I haven't told my parents is because I'm afraid of getting kicked outta the house. :(

Well, today marks 1 month since it happened, is there still a high chance of getting a court summons? I mean, the LP guy said he'd "go easy on me" but I dunno exactly what he meant by that.

Quote:

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Quoting shakinginmyboots

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Well, today marks 1 month since it happened, is there still a high chance of getting a court summons?

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Yes it is. Usually misdemeanors are not rushed.

:) I think it is highly unlikely at this point that you will be charged for this. Reading your account of how you were treated leads me to believe they are not interested in prosecuting you. Because it was your first offense and you are a minor and because you returned the mechandise and were resmorseful at the time, I think they just tried to scare you and are done with it now.

Also, and because of this, I doubt that any District Attorney has the time or interest in pursuing such a small matter. I would bet a lot of money this issue is done for them. ;)

Thank you, Gyurme! :)
You've really calmed me, I'm hoping you're right. It's been almost 7 weeks now and I've gotten nothing so far.

Thanks again.

602 is the CA Penal Code section for trespass.
Many businesses will have a shoplifter sign a form stating that they acknowledge that they have been told not to come to that location again & if they violate that, they will be prosecuted for trespass.

You got a huge break.

If you weren't taken to the police station & finger-printed and photoed, and you, also, weren't given a citation to appear in court, then you won't be charged with shoplifting.

Stay away from that location. The form you signed (probably) agreed that you will not return.

Sin no more. Give a good thought to the Loss Prevention guy and the cop who gave you a break.
That could have totaled a lot of future opportunities for you.

On the (very slim) chance I'm wrong, there is 'teen court' in So. Ca. Juvie Court - a sort of 'peer court'. Try for that if the unlikely happens.

...you're 17. Woman up ! and don't do stupid kid things.

I agree with the aove post....I, too, think you were extremely lucky (as long as you really learned your lesson, and it sounds as though you did).

I think it would serve absolutely NO PURPOSE to tell your parents. Under the circumstances, I can't imagine how that could be helpful to anyone. Just put it behind you...that's, by far, the most important thing.

garrula lingua thanks for yoru reply. This has certainly been a 'coming of age' experience.

chuckycheese I really have learned my lesson. :wallbang: Thanks for your reply, also.

Having once worked in LP for Mervyns, in California, I agree with others who have already posted. You probably will not be prosecuted. To answer one of your questions - He was writing a narrative for his own internal company report.

Hi,

garrula lingua is right. You will not be prosecuted. If you do it again you will be the dumbest person ever and there will be public proof of that. I should know, I did it at 29 y/o and now it follows me everywhere. The reason you got off is because of your age and the fact that you haven't been caught before. Now, however, your name is in the Mervyn's database along with your picture and your very close to adulthood. Stay completely out of trouble and you should be ok.

Not to upset you but Mervyn's has until SOL runs out to press these charges. Its doubtful they will at this point but no one can say "they wont". If your caught in Mall or Mervyn's they can charge yo with both tresspassing and file the charges for shoplifting. Its in your best interest to tell your parents. What they take you to Mall or Mervyn's with them?