Shoplifted at JCPenny. What happens next?

Hello!

I just spend over 2 hours here reading all the stories and still want to ask the question - what next for me?

I shopped at JCPenney tonight and been stopped by security after leaving the store - I had a piece of costume jewelry in my pocket... I don't steal, never did... I'm 33, have a child, husband, good job and would never done anything to jeopardise that... While looking through the cases of costume jewelry I picked a few that I wanted to buy, had them in both hands (there was many) and sorting through... My daughter started to push a stroller and I went after her and that's when I put that piece of jewelry in my pocket I guess... I don't really remember... So I ran after her, then came back, looked through that cases again, made my final selection and went to the clerk... Then I asked the clerk to show me some items from display, picked another 2 pieces and paid for everything there (gold and costume jewelry)... Anyway, I guess I never realized that I placed one piece of that costume jewelry in my pocket, now sitting home and blaming myself - how is that even possible??? I know I had no intentions to steal - but security person didn't think so...

Anyway, he took me in the little room, asked to remove that piece of jewelry from my pocket, etc... It was priced at $30.00.
Then searched my jacket - took everything else I had and looked through... The time must've stopped for me - I had no idea how long I was there... He didn't belive my "it was an accidently placed there" I guess if I would be in his position did the same... He called the police, they came, checked my record which is totally spotless, saw that I bought some $100.00 worth jewelry tonight there, kinda laughted and told him to let me go. But he didn't. Police left and security did fill out some papers, I signed them... I was in such a depressed shock - I don't even know what I signed... The only thing I remember he said that I will have a criminal record after I'll be called to Police Departament for fingerprints and will have to pay some fines all together about $500.00 . He also said that I am allowed to shop in store but he will watch me very closely... Also I will never able to get a job in JCP - I wasn't applying there anyway :confused: )... The job I have is not even close to retail so I'm not sure why whould he mention that...

Will they report to my work? We're buying a house - will that affect my mortgage?

I'm not a teenager, not really poor struggled single mother, I don't have a shoplifting addiction or anything like that but I HAD that piece in my pocket and I left not paid for it! I just can't belive why and how it's ended up there in my pocket...

Now what? What's next? What to expect and when?

Can I do something to make a change?

Sorry it's so long and thank you if you got that far...

Julie

JMO...he should have listened to the officer and simply trespassed you, not press charges. I'm very surprised he said you could still shop there, most places WILL trespass you for 1-2 yrs. I hate to say it, but you should talk with a criminal defense lawyer. He/she could get you into a diversion program (if it's available in your area) and lessen the charge and fines. You know you didn't intend to shoplift, but you'll need to see this through and a lawyer will help a ton. As far as what you signed, you may have signed an admission form or a 'took sheet'. Meaning 'you took with out payment' so don't be shocked if it turns up. You also may have signed a civil demand form, if so you'll be getting a letter in the mail for a civil fine...be prepared.

Your marriage status etc means nothing and you cannot prove your intent to us or anyone! You met all the criteria for a shoplifting arrest and JCP Loss Prevention acted within both their policies and the Law! Follow PaulE advice hire an Attorney look into diversion.

Oh, I wasn't even trying to prove you anything - just a few words to describe the situation I guess... And I'm sure LP did everything because I met all the criteria for shoplifting - otherwise it wouldn't take a place... I asked for advise and got it - THANK YOU! Time to find a lawyer now... And empty my saving account...

Thank you!

Julie

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Quoting fromPA

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Time to find a lawyer now... And empty my saving account...

Thank you!

Julie

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First off you made mistake (you say) well people pay for mistakes its that simple. Second before spending your "life's savings" on an Attorney find an Atorney who offers a free consultation. that way you can see your options including diversion at no costs! Depending on your how much savings you have I doubt this will cost that much. Unless you you want to fight charge (which is an option) the Attorneys actions and time will be minimal and not costly.

Thank you.


Julie