What Happens if You're Caught Shoplifting and Stopped by the Police, but Not Arrested

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Rhode Island

Idiot me tried to steal groceries several times. Really bad mistake, I know. Regardless, the first few times were totally uneventful, and I "succeeded". However, the last time, as I left the store, I was called back in and told the items in my bag didn't ring up properly--the items in my bag were all stolen, as the employee and I obviously knew. I went back in, paid for everything, and left. Another employee wrote down my vehicle make, model, and license plate as I drove away.

I was immediately pulled over by the police outside the store, since the store called in a shoplifting offense, evidently. However, I had a receipt for all the items in the car, which I showed the first officer that approached my car. After the officers took my license and consulted each other, another officer approached my vehicle, gave me back my license, and told me, after speaking to the store, the store knows I've done this before and has banned me for two years and will press charges if I return. I drove off without incident.

The entire police stop probably only took 3-5 minutes. The police, and maybe the store, have my name and address. I'm assuming they have some video evidence from at least 1 occurrence. Did I avoid legal trouble because they made me pay for the items before calling the police, or could they possibly press charges later on since they have my information and video evidence? Anyone have an history with a situation like this?

Nope, you didn't avoid charges. You can still be charged, in fact. If they have video or witnesses they can get you with multiple charges.

You very much could get charges either in the mail or find a cop at your door to serve you. If you get served with charges, you should consult a lawyer. If you are indigent, ask for a lawyer at your first court appearance.

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Quoting op11223366

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Did I avoid legal trouble...

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No one here is clairvoyant, so your question cannot be answered.

Chances are this is over and done with. Do NOT go back to that store or you will have a lot of legal trouble - and while you're at it stop stealing.

Have you heard of a situation like this before where the shoplifter is pulled over by police but then let go? I feel like there was grounds to arrest right then and there.

[QUOTE=Highwayman;1016866]No one here is clairvoyant, so your question cannot be answered.

Have you encountered police letting a shoplifter go outside the store? I've just been searching the internet, but I can't find this situation really played out in any threads or questions.

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Quoting op11223366

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Have you heard of a situation like this before where the shoplifter is pulled over by police but then let go?

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No I haven't. So what?