My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia
Last Saturday I was stopped before leaving a bigger chain store, with a $20 shirt in my handbag.
I didn't try to fight anything. I pulled the shirt out for the secret shopper (in the back room). He took it, didn't call the cops and filled out a paper with my Info on it. Did not ban me from the store, he also noted that my friend pressured me into taking it for her (the shirt was not for me, not that this would change anything.)
He did not call any cops. And just took my picture and said I would NOT be contacted. He only said my picture and info would be in the system if I happen to shoplift again at a target then my info would be pulled up and I probably would get criminal charges that time.
Later on I read that people were getting fined hindereds and thousands of dollars. So I called the security guy that caught me and asked if that was going to happen to me. He laughed and said no, that I would only be fined if we had to go to court. This past Thursday I get a letter in the mail saying they can do a civil suit against me, but there was no monetary demand.
I'm not sure what to think here... Any suggestions (aside from getting a lawyer)?
P.s. I hope this was the right place to put my thread.. Sorry if it isn't!!