Banned from Walmart for Stealing

My question involves criminal law for the state of: North Carolina

Okay so a few months ago, I got caught shoplifting at Walmart. Poor decision but I understand how much of what I did was wrong. But I have a question about being banned. I'm not in a rush to go back to Walmart or anything (I'm still ashamed), but I have a Sams Club membership and who knows, maybe a midnight run to the store might mean Walmart is my only option.

I understand that generally, a ban is a given. However, I'd like some reassurance or clarification or insight to anyone who has been in the same or similar situation. So here are the details

- While we were in custody with the LP guys (it was me and a friend), no one mentioned being banned. No papers were signed. They just asked us for our IDs and took down some information. Cops were called and we were arrested.

- The only mention of a ban came from the police officer (really nice guy) in a 'you know you're banned from Walmart, right?' He went on to tell us that we should definitely stay out of the Walmart we were caught in because those guys remember faces but would probably be okay in the other Walmart in the city. Just that if we were doing something shady and got caught, they'd of course pull up our information and see our record from the other store. So basically, stay out of THAT Walmart and if you go to another, stay out of trouble. I've stayed out of both because I'm afraid, really. I don't want to get arrested for trespassing so better safe than sorry. I recently made a purchase on their website (got a gift card for Christmas) and I assume there will be no problem with that.

- Hired a lawyer to deal with my case and he went and talked to the LP that caught us. He paid my restitution (which was only 5 dollars because they only charge for what they can't resell) and the LP lady signed a paper stating that Walmart was satisfied and recommended dismissing the charges to the DA. Of course, once a charge is filed, it's not up to them. But it was a comforting sentiment.

- We never got a civil demand letter. When my lawyer asked the LP, she said she honestly didn't know. I've heard they have up to a year to send one though.

- The DA dismissed the charges. I'm in the process of getting the arrest record expunged.

I've looked up other situations and saw people had written the Corporate office with attn Loss Prevention, apologizing and got a letter dismissing their ban. I'd like to do this at some point but wonder if it's too soon. How long should I wait before trying this route?

Am I even banned? I'm sure you'd say yes but if the officer hadn't have said anything, a ban wouldn't have even been mentioned to us.

How likely is it that if I went into a Walmart somewhere else and did nothing suspicious (I don't even carry a purse anymore, just a keychain wallet), that I would even be noticed and flagged?

Thank you for any information or insight.

call walmart and ask.

I'm sure you could understand my trepidation in bringing up my name to LP at Walmart over the phone. Especially if they forgot to file some paper work so I was skipped out on the civil demand. So an obvious answer, but I'm looking for personal anecdotes and opinions based on the details. I feel like I've read posts from LP officers around the forum so I thought there was a chance someone might chime in who could tell me how the situation compares to standard procedure etc.

I know no one has a crystal ball and can tell me if I'm banned. But there were other questions in the post other than that one.

Thank you for the reply.

I would advise waiting 6 months after the date of the incident to write the Corporate office. Then wait until you get a letter back granting permission.

thank you!