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Caught Stealing from Barnes and Noble in California, No Police Involved

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  • 04-02-2014, 01:08 PM
    TheStarsAreHere
    Caught Stealing from Barnes and Noble in California, No Police Involved
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

    I'm wondering what the full extent of what I have tagged on my name / social security is now?

    It was under $50, and I was caught, but no police were involved/called. I did get a ban from all B&N stores (not that I care as I never liked them and had been angry that they survived over Borders).I had my information taken down, picture taken, and had to sign a release. I was pretty upset and crying and kinda just self-absorbed in how much of an idiot I was. Was put down as unemployed even though I told him I had work, as the security guy said he didn't want anyone to contact and make me lose my job.

    I didn't leave the store, they had approached me and taken me back as I surrendered when they approached me.

    Specific questions:
    1.) Will this show up on my employment, housing, or other background checks?
    2.) If I am pulled over for a driving ticket, does it show up with my license?
    3.) Will I be hearing anything from them?
    4.) Do I go into some database for OTHER stores that aren't B&N?
    5.) Does B&N only operate as B&N? (asking because Borders and Waldenbooks was owned by the same, and I really don't want to get arrested for trespassing because it just so happened to be owned by B&N)
  • 04-02-2014, 01:49 PM
    brownj12
    Re: Caught Stealing from Barnes and Noble in California - No Police Involved
    Quote:

    Quoting TheStarsAreHere
    View Post
    Specific questions:
    1.) Will this show up on my employment, housing, or other background checks?

    It will not show up on (traditional) background checks. The exception being if B&N reports you to the National Shoplifting Registry and the place you apply for employment checks there. If no charges are filed then it won't show up on a traditional background check.

    Quote:

    Quoting TheStarsAreHere
    View Post
    2.) If I am pulled over for a driving ticket, does it show up with my license?

    No, if no charges are filed there will be nothing on your record.
    Quote:

    Quoting TheStarsAreHere
    View Post
    3.) Will I be hearing anything from them?

    I don't know anyone who was caught shoplifting from B&N but there is a good chance you will get a civil demand letter in the mail for a few hundred dollars.
    Quote:

    Quoting TheStarsAreHere
    View Post
    4.) Do I go into some database for OTHER stores that aren't B&N?

    You may, B&N can report you the the National Shoplifters Registry but you would need to find someone with knowledge of their policies to know for sure.
    Quote:

    Quoting TheStarsAreHere
    View Post
    5.) Does B&N only operate as B&N? (asking because Borders and Waldenbooks was owned by the same, and I really don't want to get arrested for trespassing because it just so happened to be owned by B&N)

    They also operate a few publishers (which I imagine are not places you would have to worry about trespassing) and a lot of college book stores (which you should probably avoid)
  • 04-02-2014, 03:08 PM
    TheStarsAreHere
    Re: Caught Stealing from Barnes and Noble in California - No Police Involved
    Thanks for some input.

    Quote:

    Quoting brownj12
    View Post
    I don't know anyone who was caught shoplifting from B&N but there is a good chance you will get a civil demand letter in the mail for a few hundred dollars.

    Even if the items were under $50?
    I was reading about this from a few places, and I dunno if anyone can shed light, but -- Saying that you can ignore the civil demand letter as long as you actually didn't take anything/leave the store without an consequences?
  • 04-02-2014, 04:47 PM
    PandorasBox
    Re: Caught Stealing from Barnes and Noble in California - No Police Involved
    1. At this point...hard to say. You may be in the National Retail Theft Database for the next 7 years. It's hard to say if the case actually was forward to police and then the prosecutors office or not....
    2. If a warrant is issued for your arrest...yes, they can arrest you. I suggest checking your mail on a regular basis.
    3. You may...you may not...I'm not the store/the LP/the cops/prosecutors office....so I have no way of honestly telling you Yes or No.
    4. Seen the answer to Question #1.
    5. B&N...to my knowledge...operates stores and an online store. Amazon, etc may use them as a dealer.

    6. Yes, I am adding another question/answer. You are likely going to get a Civil Demand letter from B&N or their lawyers. It is legal by law. Some people will say don't pay it...others will tell you to pay it. Let's put it this way, if you don't pay it....it can really be a hassle.
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