First Time Shoplifting Offense

Thanks for taking the time to hear me out everyone, I really appreciate all the help I can get here-

I got caught shoplifting yesterday at a Discount Drugmart in Ohio. I started off with lies to the security guard about where the item had come from and eventually just told him I did it. He made me sign a paper saying I had tried to steal it and wrote out a notice that I wouldn't be able to come back to the store for 3 years.

The security guard told me that their store headquarters was in control of it now, and that I should expect a bill from them in the mail.

The police were then called and they came in looked at the paperwork, ad escorted me out of the building. They didnt say much to me, but I seem to remember something about how I may get something in the mail soon.

This is my first offense of any kind, I dont even have a speeding ticket on my record. Im 18 years old and the item totaled just under $5.

Im scared to death! What do I do, what do I expect here? Im so ashamed and dont want anyone to find out about this. Can I still go to jail or will I likely have to go to court? Civil or criminal case? :confused:

Also, how long can they take with this process, I cant wait much longer, this happened yesterday and I dont know how long to expect to wait for my punishments- :(

Any help would be much appreciated- Thanks ahead of time!

If this helps at all, the police officer just escorted me out of the building- he gave me no tickets or citations of any manner and just took me to the parking lot. Any Advice? :confused:

Did they say they were pressing charges? If not then you shouldn't have a criminal court. They will probobly send you a letter saying you have so many days to send them a crap load of money or they will sue you in civil court and it'll be many times higher. In Ohio most people I know get a letter for about 5 times the amount they were accused of stealing, but I think it can be 3 to 10 times and if you go to court you calculate the employees time, laywer, court fees, and a higher compensation of the goods that total in the thousand (s) rage.

I got my letter in the mail today from the Discount Drug Mart where I attempted to steal a $5 item a few days ago.

The letter follows, if you could read it and let me know what you think is going to happen to me, that would be great. I am going to pay the $50.16 right now, but will they be able to do anything else to me, like bring me to court or anything if I pay it?

Thanks-



__________________________________________________ ________

RE: PAYMENT OF THEFT OFFENSE

On December ##, 2007 you took the following merchandise from Discount Drug Mart without payment: ####. This is a violation of Section 2913.02 of the Ohio Revised Code.

If payment has not been recieved by Discount Drug Mart in the amount of $50.16 within thrity (30) days of the date of this letter (or enter into a binding agreement acceptable to Discount Drug Mart to pay such an amount), Discount Drug Mart is authorized by Section 2307.60 of the Ohio Revised Code to bring civil action against you for damages in connection with the theft of this property. The amount demanded in this letter to avoid the filing of this section is provided for by Section 2307.61 of the Ohio Revised Code and consists of the retail value of the property taken and liquidated damages in the amount of $50.00

If you are convicted of stealing the property described above, you will be subject to potential punishment of six (6) months in jail , a fine of $1,000 or both.

If you do not pay the amount demanded in this letter within thirty (30) days of the date of this letter or pursuant to an agreement and if a civil judgment is rendered against you in connection with this offense, Discount Drug Mart may choose to recover from you either the amount demanded in this letter, or the greater of $200.00 or (3) times the retail value of the property taken. Discount Drug Mart may also recover the cost of the suit, reasonable attorney's fees and reasonable administration cost incurred by Discount Drug Mart in connection with the civil action. Should you prevail in the lawsuit, however you may recover from Discount Drug Mart reasonable attorney's fees, cost of suit and other compensatory damages that you can prove.

If you pay the amount demanded above within thirty (30) days of the date of this letter or, if you and Discount Drug Mart agree for the payment of that amount on a payment schedule and you abide by the terms of that agreement, Discount Drug Mart cannot file a civil action against you in connection with the offense. However, if you fail to pay the amount specified in this letter within thirty days of service, fail to enter into an agreement for that payment during that thirty day period, or enter into an agreement for that payment in accordance with the agreement, Discount Drug Mart may sue you for the amounts specified above.

To avoid the filing by Discount Drug Mart of a civil action against you in connection with this offense, your payment must be recieved by Discount Drug Mart within thirty (30) days of the date of this latter.

Your Payments should be sent to:

#####################
#####################
#####################

If you have any questions in regards to this notice, contact:

########
#####################

This is Civil Demand and unrelated to any criminal charges.

So does it mean that I am not going to have to go to court? Will I have something on my permanent record for this? Thanks so much everyone- :))

You have not been clear on if Police were involved or if charges were filed so we cannot say

I was NOT taken to the station or fingerprinted and such, the police only escorted me from the building. I wasn't told what was going on, thats why Im so confused about the situation-

:-/ blah, I've already learned my lesson just from the stress in this situation, I just can't believe it :o

Did the Police give you a ticket? Did they mention a letter from DA or police? It sounds like the retailer is seeking only Civil Demand and that they are not pressing charges. However to be sure ocntact PD they can tell you if retailer pressed charges

The police did not give me a ticket, they just sai that Drug Mart would be sending me a letter in the mail.

Is PD, Police Department? and I can just call them and give them my name and information and ask if charges were filed? :)) Thanks~

It sounds like you were not charged so pay the Civil Demand and this is over

Awesome, thanks alot for your help :))

BTW, any tips on contacting the police department to ask about the retailer filing charges against me? What should I say? :o I dont feel comfortable giving my ssn over the phone ;-/ blah, thx ahead of time ^^

Before you "messed up" you had no need of this site:D

Why? It wont change anything

I know, but I would feel a lot more comfortable knowing 100% that this was just a civil matter :D

....Im going to spread the news of how bad this stuff is, I wish I had found this bloody site BEFORE I messed up :o

Turns out, that WASNT the end of it -.-

I got a message in the mail today from the clerk of courts.

I have been summoned to go to court.

Court Charging:

PETTY THEFT 2913.02A1(M1)

This crime has been classified as a violation of Section 2913.02 (A)(1) of the O.R.C., and is commonly known as PETTY THEFT, A MISDEMEANOR OF THE FIRST DEGREE.

_____

What do I do? My court date isnt too far away it says and Ive never been in a situation like this before :((

Help me please! :(

Yes consult with a criminal Defense Attorney and discuss your options

Alright, I'll try that, but Im a struggling college student, not much money. Is there a way I can ask for a public defender and speak with them before the court date? I have at least a week till my court date. Thanks so much-

Call the court and ask its possible

Okay, will do thanks much.

I sure hope they dont publish this in the paper X_x

Why would they publish such a minor crime? I assume you mean the newspaper. No wif convicted you will have a criminal record which is why you need an Attorney. An Attorney can tell you if diversion or similar programs are avilable that could keep a conviction off your record

I see, I see, thanks again for all your help, I will contact the court and a criminal defense lawyer tomorrow.

Okay, I called the court and they told me I could not get a public defender until I requested one formally during my first court date.

I called the public defenders office complex and was told by them to plead "not guilty" and then ask for a public defender to be appointed to me.

This offense is in Ohio if it makes any difference.

What does a not guilty plea embody? I know I am guilty, the store even made me sign a paper when I was caught that says I tried to steal the item in question. I dont want to get a stiffer punishment for a not guilty plea, isnt that lying t the judge?

Thank you very much for your continued help-

The not guilty plea will get you a new court date. during that time frame you will have your chance to talk to Public defender. Plead not guilty request Public defender. Judge will instruct you on what to do next

Okay, I will do that-

I hope Im not seen as being dishonest for pleading not guilty :/
I know I am. Blah >.<

Ok not to offend you but you stole something thats dishonest!

Ack, I know, I just dont want to lie tot he judge about it I guess, lol :/

Im calling another lawyer in the morning too, try to get this worked out.
-sigh-

-.-

Pleading not guilty is not a lie its how you extend process so you may talk to a Lawyer