How Much Will Fine Be for Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

So I got caught today. After I purchased something and was leaving, 2 of these guys dressed in casual wear stopped me and said: "We're with Walmart and you know what I'm going to ask you right?"

I really didn't know what he was saying, thinking he was going to offer me something they were advertising at their store. But I guess they were the security. So the two guys and 2 other work associates escort me to the back room. I cooperated respectfully and gave them my info that they needed. Showed them my DL and gave them my contact number like they asked. I took like 1 eyeshadow, 2 face primers and a make up remover. Total was under $25 for sure. I remember reading somewhere that if it was under $25, in Walmart's policy they would issue a warning.

They didn't call the cops on me. After they got the total in they gave me this paper saying pretty much they let me off with a warning and if I didn't want anything sent to my mailbox to call the number listed on the paper they printed out for me. No photo or fingerprints taken by them. The man said my info will be in the Walmart database. He said if I were to do this again at another Walmart or something they will easily find my name. So would that mean that I can't get a job in retail then? AT ALL?

The guy that caught me was kind and didn't seem like a jerk and I thanked him for letting me off. And said I was welcomed to return back to their store, just not to shoplift LOL. Overall the encounter from when I was caught to when I was released took less than 10 minutes.

But how much would the fine or something be? The guy said it would be around $50-$500. Err.... So how much do you think it will be? I plan on calling the number provided on the paper tomorrow when the info should be in their database...

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I remember reading somewhere that if it was under $25, in Walmart's policy they would issue a warning.

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That used to be the policy. Then they figured out that thieves such as yourself were taking advantage of that, and that's no longer policy.

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So would that mean that I can't get a job in retail then? AT ALL?

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If you were reported to the National Retail Theft Database - and you probably were - it's going to make attempting to work in retail very very hard for you, if not outright impossible.

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But how much would the fine or something be?

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Expect the Civil Demand to be around $200 or so. Pay it immediately. If you don't, you can expect to be criminally prosecuted in addition to being sued for the amount of the civil demand.

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Quoting LawResearcherMissy

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If you were reported to the National Retail Theft Database - and you probably were - it's going to make attempting to work in retail very very hard for you, if not outright impossible.

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I don't remember where I heard it but what I heard (here on one of the threads) was that WalMart does not subscribe to the National Retail Theft Database. If they don't, your chances of obtaining a career in retail would not be affected anywhere but WalMart/Sam's Club.

I called the number on the paper they gave me. The number the LP told me to call is if I didn't want any mail to be sent to my home by them. So I called the 800 number and the guy on the other end looked up my info. At first i was contemplating if I should call or not thinking they might've forgotten the matter and I might be the lucky few that the LPs forgot to input my info they took from me into their database and won't mail me. But figured that was a long shot... So i called and the guy said my Civil Demand would be $300........ I asked if I would have to pay all of it all at once. And he said their attorney's will work out a payment plan.

But I have a question. If they do work out a payment plan.... Is there any way I can keep that charge from showing up on my bank statement?

You could get a Postal Money Order from your post office. (Don't get one from a retailer, often they can only be cashed at the exact store location purchased from).

I have a question. I'm thinking your parents check your bank statement. How are you going to explain where $200+ went?