Shoplifting At Kohl's And Getting Caught The Next Day

I shoplifted 2 items from a Kohl's department store in Pennsylvania. The retail value was approx $500. The store was not in my local town. Apparently, I was seen leaving the store and someone got my plate numbers off the car. The next day, a local police officer came to my house with a message to call the police department in the township which the store was located. I have called and they asked me to come in to answer some questions. I am going there on Wednesday.

This is the 2nd time I have been caught. The first time I was caught was last year at this time. I got a letter in the mail and was required to pay a fine. I did and have not heard anything more of it.

I come from a good family and have never been trouble before. The past year and a half have been hell financially for me and my family Let me tell you, the past few days have not been good. I can't sleep or eat and my stomach is in knots because I don't know what is going to happen.

I have the items to give back. I am just not sure what to expect.

Consult a criminal defense lawyer before you meet with the police.

Definitely consult with a lawyer before your meeting. Remember, you have are under no obligation to say anything to the police or even write a statement to them.

The less you say, the better off you are. Get a lawyer and let us know what happens.

I totally agree with the above comments. I think, since you're guilty, that your lawyer will advise that you not meet with the police; you would have nothing to gain by doing so.

$500.00 would make it a felony charge I believ e so yes lawyer up before you see Police

Here;s the part of the Pennsylvania statute that applys:
Retail theft constitutes a:

i. Summary offense when the offense is a first offense and the value of the merchandise is less than $150.
ii. Misdemeanor of the second degree when the offense is a second offense and the value of the merchandise is less than $150.
iii. Misdemeanor of the first degree when the offense is a first or second offense and the value of the merchandise is $150 or more.
iv. Felony of the third degree when the offense is a third or subsequent offense, regardless of the value of the merchandise.
v. Felony of the third degree when the amount involved exceeds $2,000 or if the merchandise involved is a firearm or a motor vehicle.

This would appear to be a misdemeanor.

I really dread the thought of going to the police station. Is taking the items back to the store an option at this point?

If I don't go to the police station, what can happen?

If charges have already been filed taking items back will have no impact. Not only that LP "might" decide to detain you for the theft right then and there.

How do I know if charges have already been filed?

I really just want to rectify the situation and take responsibility for what I've done.

If Police contacted you most likely charges were filed

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Quoting panther10758

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If Police contacted you most likely charges were filed

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I don't think I'd be so quick to make that assumption. I'd talk with an attorney.....before I left another post on this forum (or did much of anything else).

That is certainly possible but a call from PD asking them to come in doesnt suggest much else

In my estimation, the police interview will be a "try to get a confession" session.