Caught Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: virginia. Hi, I was caught stealing a pair of shoes that cost 40 dollars. The shop clerk took down my info, name birthday and license number but didn't get my correct address or social. He tried to extort me and say that I could either pay 150 for the shoes or he was calling the cops. He said I have till the end of the week to bring the money or he was calling the cops. My question is that since he let me leave will he still be able to charge me with anything? He had me sign a piece of paper saying that I stole the shoes but not that I had to come back and pay for them. And if he does try to press charges would I be able to get him for extorsion?

It sounds like he was running a game on his employer. I think you were lucky this time.

You can certainly file a complaint, but it is up to the Commonwealth's attorney as to whether to file charges. It is the commonwealth of Virginia that brings the charges in a criminal action. I can almost guarantee that they will NOT consider a request for restitution in a shoplifting or bad check case to be extortion. They are not demanding money outright, but you to pay things you legitimately owe.

That $150 would have been a civil demand, basically. 99.999% of shoplifters get them. It is restitution to the store for what you have cost them to apprehend you. There is set amount ranges by each state. $150 tends to be the lowest amount. Most get them in the mail. Sometimes, they are offered on the spot, in lieu of calling the police.

They didn't get your correct address or social....was that because you lied to them?

Yes, he can still charge you. You signed a piece of paper stating you stole the shoes. They likely have you on video also. All he has to do is turn that over to the police, who will turn it over to the prosecutor. Then it will cost you a lot more than $150 and will give you a criminal record.