Caught Shoplifting in California

I was caught shoplifting in Mervyn's,ca. The item was worth $50. The LP asked me to sign two forms..one declaring that I stole 50$ worth item with my home address and phone details in it and another civil demand notice. cops were not called, nor she said anything about me appearing to court. I have no justification for my act and I deeply regret what I did and I am willing to pay the fine which she said will be mailed to me in a few weeks. LP took my driver license ID details. nothing other than that. I am an adult.
I am scared to death. Do I have to appear to court/will they send me a summon or something to appear to court? will cops be coming to my home in future? I am so scared. I realize I shouldn't have done that. I cooperated well with the LP. will anything reflect in my background check. I HAVE LEARNT A LESSON FOR LIFE.

Thank you ALL for your advice/suggestion in advance.

Cops were not called it appears as retailer is only seeking Civil Demand. Pay that and its over

Thank you, Panther. I am hoping this whole thing ends with paying the fine. Typically how long does it take for the mail to be in mail-box and will I get a receipt saying that I paid back the fine? or should I call someone to request for one?

Thanks again!

You should request a reciept. Or write on check/money Order "paid in full" with account number

one more question. as I read in other thread, will I be called to court even after a year or so...Doesn't this end after I pay back the fine. Like I said earlier cops weren't there. who will send information for court appearance. would the LP called police after I left the place..Should I keep worrying about this as what will happen in future? I am very very scared. Please advice.

The retailer has nothing to gain by filing charges especailly if you pay Civil Demand. However the victim (store) has approx one year (statute of limitations est) to file

I got the civil demand letter today..I don't understand the statement. could anyone help me understand it please.

"Under CA Law Cal. Penal Code, Section 490.5 (b)(c), civil cause action against you intentionally deprived or intended to deprive of merchandise without paying for it. The law further provides that, separate from, and in addition to, any criminal action arising from your conduct, you may be held civilly liable for (a) cost of merchandise, if damaged; (b) a civil penalty; and (c) court costs and reasonable attorneys' fess, if allowed by the court"

Does this mean I HAVE to go to court. Can anybody explain please? I am so SCARED TO DEATH..my hands are shivering ..not able to type

PS: Police was not called

I don't understand.

You mean your hands were shivering when you were stealing?

How many times did you steal?

Help clear this up for me.

Thanks.

honestly am scared. i was scared then too and got caught eventually. I have no justification and admit I did WRONG. but please explain what the demand is saying. i'll NEVER NEVER NEVER even dream of doing such thing EVER in my life. i am so sacred

Quote:

---

Quoting saram22

---

honestly am scared. i was scared then too and got caught eventually. I have no justification and admit I did WRONG. but please explain what the demand is saying. i'll NEVER NEVER NEVER even dream of doing such thing EVER in my life. i am so sacred

---

panther gave you excellent and accurate advice.

I have nothing to add...well, there is nothing to add.

I deeply appreciate and thank everyone who read my post and came up with advise/suggestions.

status on my case:

I received my civil demand notice & paid the same back in full on-time & received the receipt as well for it.

I HOPE this whole thing ends with this.

Can any LPS out here working for Mervyns please tell if there are any chances that they can press charges on me after this. how likely?

I'll keep you all posted if anything surprising, I mean court, happens..Thanks a lot!

No I dont work at mervyns but I can tell you yes there is a chance but that chance is very very low. Mervyns has until the statute of limitations run out to file the charges but again dont count on that. They have nothing to gain by doing so