Shoplifting from Walmart, Second Time

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California. In 2010 I was caught stealing from Walmart in North Carolina. The amount was about 20-30 tips. I had a trespass for what I believe was two years, paid restitution and did community service and got it expunged. Today I'm in California and got caught shoplifting again, (financial hardships, please don't judge) they did try to call the cops but all dispatches were busy so none came out and it wasn't filed through them. The amount was $13. Nothing was opened or damaged. I waited about an hour and they told me I'd receive a letter in the mail like a fine to pay. My questions are: if I do not pay the fine, how likely is it they will take me to court? Should I just pay whatever the fine is? Will I receieve a class c misdemeanor? The did say I am permanently banned from all walmarts and samsclubs. Please give me advice if I should pay the fee which I know the amount will be high, don't pay anything, and if I'll be taken to court.

Financial hardships don't require people to steal. You will receive a letter from Walmart's "lawyers" demanding civil restitution for the damages you've caused them. It's not a "fine." You have to roll the dice and determine whether Walmart will take you to court. They have the right. The fact that you have repeatedly stole from them may make a difference. Your criminal record in NC might have been expunged, but Walmart knows you're a repeat thief. We can't answer that.

You do understand that just because a cop didn't respond at the time, that doesn't mean the LP couldn't submit a complaint and you would be charged later.

Yes you will get charged criminally. Yes you will go to jail. No one knows the amount of the fine. You had better pay it if you don't want to be in even more trouble.

Nothing is going to make you stop breaking the law at this point except locking you up. That becomes apparent to judges after you continue getting caught committing crimes - especially the same crimes. It shows you are not able to be rehabilitated.

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Quoting Mae91

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Today I'm in California and got caught shoplifting again, (financial hardships, please don't judge) they did try to call the cops but all dispatches were busy so none came out and it wasn't filed through them.

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There is a possibility that they will make a later report based upon the evidence they have of your offense and anything they obtained (e.g., a confession) during your detention. Nobody here can guarantee that they either will or will not involve the police.

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Quoting Mae91

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My questions are: if I do not pay the fine, how likely is it they will take me to court?

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The future is hazy.... All we can say is that if you're lucky enough that they didn't report your crime to the police, your pushing your luck may inspire them ot change their mind.

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Quoting Mae91

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The did say I am permanently banned from all walmarts and samsclubs.

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Then you should do your 'shopping' elsewhere.