Caught Attempting to Shoplift at Walmart

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Oregon

I feel awful but I wanted to know what may happen... I tried to steal a cart of food (push it out of local Walmart) and was stopped when an alarm thing went off. I was detained and put through several people and finally the one in charge with LP, she said she was lucky she didn’t call the cops. They got my license number and full name and she said I am no longer welcome at any Wal Mart. What happens now? I feel awful about it. I was in a desperate spot (NOT that this excuses what I tried to do) and had gotten food from there twice before. Will they rewind their tapes to find footage of me? It’s a long shot, I realize, but I just feel so awful about it and now I wonder if they’ll sue me... this was a wake up call and I’ve addressed some serious problems in my life... thanks in advance for help. Not looking for sympathy here... just legal answers.

Did they have you sign anything like a confession, civil demand notice, etc...? You may hear from their lawyers about paying a civil demand but that is separate from any criminal prosecution, which it sounds like you dodged.

I doubt they are going to check their tapes for a food thief. Ipods, computers, tvs....yeah. As long as you weren't stealing steak and lobster, you're a low priority.

You need to seek out assistance if you having issues paying for food. There are programs that can help you. Maybe food banks in your area.

I'll take your word for it and I'm not going to argue but Wal-Mart doesn't alarm their food. Higher price point liquor, yes. Things other than food, yes. There more than likely was something other than just food in there. It's ok though, not arguing.

In terms of your problems at that Wal-Mart don't sweat it too much. Like Free9man said, they aren't going to review their tapes to look for you stealing several days/weeks/months. They have current thieves in their store they are watching.

Just make sure you don't step foot in that Wal-Mart again because next time it will the cops will be involved and your issues will multiply.

As far as your food issues don't limit your search to the food bank. Check out local churches as well. Many churches also band together to feed the homeless on a rotation basis. They'll have a schedule and all you have to do is show up.

You can also expect a letter from Walmart's "lawyers" demanding compensation for the problems people like you cause them.

As Sniper says, stay out of Walmart. After a while, you can write corporate and ask to be let back.

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Quoting sniper

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I'll take your word for it and I'm not going to argue but Wal-Mart doesn't alarm their food. Higher price point liquor, yes. Things other than food, yes. There more than likely was something other than just food in there. It's ok though, not arguing.

In terms of your problems at that Wal-Mart don't sweat it too much. Like Free9man said, they aren't going to review their tapes to look for you stealing several days/weeks/months. They have current thieves in their store they are watching.

Just make sure you don't step foot in that Wal-Mart again because next time it will the cops will be involved and your issues will multiply.

As far as your food issues don't limit your search to the food bank. Check out local churches as well. Many churches also band together to feed the homeless on a rotation basis. They'll have a schedule and all you have to do is show up.

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Yes, the tagged thing was a bottle of AmLactin lotion, it had a little strip on the side I didn’t see (other than that and toothpaste it was just food)

Thank you all for your replies, they were very helpful. I am looking at assistance as we speak

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Quoting free9man

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Did they have you sign anything like a confession, civil demand notice, etc...? You may hear from their lawyers about paying a civil demand but that is separate from any criminal prosecution, which it sounds like you dodged.

I doubt they are going to check their tapes for a food thief. Ipods, computers, tvs....yeah. As long as you weren't stealing steak and lobster, you're a low priority.

You need to seek out assistance if you having issues paying for food. There are programs that can help you. Maybe food banks in your area.

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No I didn’t sign anything and no police were called. If I get a letter do I pay them no questions asked then? Thank you

If prosecuted the OP is looking at a Theft in the second degree charge under 164.045: Class A misdemeanor, Up to one year of jail time and/or a $6,250 fine. In today's market, a cart of food could be somewhere in the neighborhood of $450.

I'm already stressed out and guilty about it, and your feedback didn't really provide any insight on my situation? ): Like I know it was wrong and I know the consequences, I'll never do it again but a combination of things led me to think it was a good solution... But thanks for the comment? Do you think they'll prosecute me even though I didn't walk out with the cart....? They retained their merch, so...? The woman said "you're lucky I don't call the police" (I agree with her) and I was truthful when she asked how many times I did it, I said "twice, this if my first time at this store though".

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Quoting Ashamed111

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I'm already stressed out and guilty about it, and your feedback didn't really provide any insight on my situation?

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When you started this thread you asked:

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I feel awful but I wanted to know what may happen...

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I simply stated what you could be charged with. I even gave you the statute number for what you can be charged with. What I have given you is real information. Sorry if that is not what you wanted to hear.

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Do you think they'll prosecute me even though I didn't walk out with the cart....?

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If your intent was to deprive the owner of the food, then yes they can still prosecute you.

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They retained their merch, so...?

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They can still prosecute you even if you put all the food back on their shelf in the proper place.

Put it this way, you walk into a bank and tell them you have a gun that they need to put all the money in the bag. You walk out with the money then have a change of heart. You walk back into the bank and give the teller the money back. Doe's that make every thing right now? Should the police send you on your way and not lock you up because you returned the money?