Arrested for Shoplifting in Washington

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington

I'm 18 years old, almost 19.

I got caught shoplifting from Target. I've been going to different Target stores taking video games and giving them away on public game forums.

When I finally got caught by LP they cuffed me and moved me to investigation room. I was being polite yet didn’t really say anything or made any confessions except for visiting other Target stores.

I was told that they’ve been watching me for a while now and have a lot of camera footage showing me leaving with the merchandise. As they later said that their total sum adds up to 1,300$ I heard them say something about felony.

Police arrived and took me the station where I had my fingerprints and mug shot taken. I didn’t give any statements or anything like that and was released within 2 hours.
They told me to wait and check my mailbox with further steps.

I have absolutely clean criminal and driving record not a single ticket. I still can’t believe that I did something so dumb.

I'm pretty nervous and not sure what to do as this is my first time getting in trouble with the law.

A good first step would be to hire a criminal defense lawyer.

Hire a lawyer but keep in mind video doesn't lie. Especially if they have you doing the same thing in several different locations. Prosecutors and Judges are less likely to deal when there's clear intent shown so let your lawyer do the talking.

You were giving your stolen goods away to strangers? Not only are you a thief, you're not an especially intelligent one. You need a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, plead not guilty at your arraignment (first court appearance) and request a public defender.

I'm gonna guess that you were probably issued a criminal trespass for the Targets you stole from or maybe even all of them. I would stay out of any Targets for a long, long time cause the ones in your area all know who you are. If you enter the store, you will be followed by AP for your entire visit. The manager might even come up to you with someone from AP and tell you to leave, which is perfectly legal. No one wants thieves in their store.

Your not making statements when Target caught you means squat if they have enough video/floor surveillance evidence. Did you sign anything at all?

Quote:

---

Quoting free9man

---

You were giving your stolen goods away to strangers? Not only are you a thief, you're not an especially intelligent one. You need a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, plead not guilty at your arraignment (first court appearance) and request a public defender.

I'm gonna guess that you were probably issued a criminal trespass for the Targets you stole from or maybe even all of them. I would stay out of any Targets for a long, long time cause the ones in your area all know who you are. If you enter the store, you will be followed by AP for your entire visit. The manager might even come up to you with someone from AP and tell you to leave, which is perfectly legal. No one wants thieves in their store.

Your not making statements when Target caught you means squat if they have enough video/floor surveillance evidence. Did you sign anything at all?

---

Hey, thank you for your answer.

I didn't sign anything at all, not a single paper, even when I was taken to Police Station. Nor I was issued any kind of trespass to the Target locations by their staff/police.

After I got to the station I spend about 10 minutes in the cell, once I got out, my fingerprints were taken and they told me that I’m good to go.

By the way, they got me when I was walking outside the store with merchandise.

Quote:

---

Quoting notsofun

---

Hey, thank you for your answer.

I didn't sign anything at all, not a single paper, even when I was taken to Police Station. Nor I was issued any kind of trespass to the Target locations by their staff/police.

After I got to the station I spend about 10 minutes in the cell, once I got out, my fingerprints were taken and they told me that I’m good to go.

By the way, they got me when I was walking outside the store with merchandise.

---

The fact that you didn't sign anything is meaningless if they have you on video. Also the fact that they apprehended you outside the store only strengthens their case against you. It helps prove clear intent to deprive them of their merchandise.

The Target AP staff did not even verbally trespass you? That's kinda lazy. Expect it to be a part of whatever sentence you receive at the conclusion of the matter. I would still not go into any Targets any time soon.

Quote:

---

Quoting free9man

---

The Target AP staff did not even verbally trespass you? That's kinda lazy. Expect it to be a part of whatever sentence you receive at the conclusion of the matter. I would still not go into any Targets any time soon.

---

I'm sure they did... Retail LP is pretty diligent when it comes to Trespass

Quote:

---

Quoting ollie

---

I'm sure they did... Retail LP is pretty diligent when it comes to Trespass

---

They actually didn't, we spend about an hour maybe more in their office talking about custom PC builds. Until police arrived.

Quote:

---

Quoting notsofun

---

They actually didn't, we spend about an hour maybe more in their office talking about custom PC builds. Until police arrived.

---

Well I'll take your word for it but I'd stay out of Target for at least 7 years if I were you. Target uses facial recognition software that casinos use now. If they took your picture they'll upload it into their system so you definitely need to stay out.

Either way I don't plan on going to Target anytime soon. :)

Do I have to wait until I get this "mysterious paper" in the mail, or do I start searching and consulting with lawyers and that kind of stuff?

I did a research about civil fees or something like that, do I have to pay them or talk about it with my lawyer? (I don't have one, yet)

What charges am I looking at here?

Wait til the Civil Demand arrives. It can be from Target...it could be from a law office. It will have a specific amount and address to send payment to. Yes, pay it, because the amount in future letters will increase, and then you can be sued in Civil Court.

To add on to the Trespass. Seriously, stay out of ALL Target's, even out of state, even out of the country (you can still shop www.target.com). Another poster told you that you would be followed, and the manager might ask you to leave. Something else can happen...Asset Protection can detain you; call the police; and have you arrested and charged with Criminal Trespass.

Quote:

---

Quoting PandorasBox

---

Wait til the Civil Demand arrives. It can be from Target...it could be from a law office. It will have a specific amount and address to send payment to. Yes, pay it, because the amount in future letters will increase, and then you can be sued in Civil Court.

To add on to the Trespass. Seriously, stay out of ALL Target's, even out of state, even out of the country (you can still shop www.target.com). Another poster told you that you would be followed, and the manager might ask you to leave. Something else can happen...Asset Protection can detain you; call the police; and have you arrested and charged with Criminal Trespass.

---

I'm going to have to pay Civil Demand and Court Judgement all together?
If so how much should I be expecting?

How long does it take for letter to arrive?

The Civil Demand will arrive separately.

The Court Fines/Costs will be given to you at your sentencing date.

So expect:
Court Costs/Fines: $300+
Civil Demand: $150+
If you get Community Service: $400+
If you need a Public Defender: $250+

Yes, shoplifting is NOT cheap.

Oh...and with one charge, you can still get a McDonalds job. Two strikes,...you won't even be employable at McD's....