Can Stores Find Out You've Shoplifted Before and Prosecute You

My question involves criminal law for the state of Wa
My friend was caught shoplifting. It wasn't the 1st time she shoplifted in that store. I have a couple of Qs:
1. Can they dig up some video evidence from the past about her previous crime? The only evidence they can have is her leaving fitting room with thicker purse. Is that enough?
2.When she is in court under oath, can they ask her if she stole from them before and does she have to answer and give as many details as she remembers?

Tell your friend to seek an attorney if one is needed. Otherwise...

1. Yes and maybe
2. Yes, and if she refuses to answer she'll get a nice slap from the judge - before she's sentenced.

Can she answer that she did stole something some time ago but does not remember any more details( What it was exactly and value) ?
2.If they bring some evidence of the past shoplifting can she be charged for that as well in addition to the shoplifting attempt that she is there for?
3.This was her 1.crime. Is it still gonna count as 1.crime if there is evidence of past shoplifting?
4. If there is evidence of more than one count of shoplifting is she gonna be punished harsher?

I can only give you what I used to do. I've worked for a number of retailers. If we had video of someone stealing and we didn't apprehend them at the time we saved the video and when they were apprehended we added all the other times they stole. So, yes prior offenses can be added.

It is not one crime. It's the one they were apprehended for and additional for every ime they were on video. In the LP business it's called case building.

4. Absolutely....

In short...your friend may be facing multiple counts...multiple counts/high prices can equal upgraded charges.

#4. And why shouldn't she be?