Shoplifting At Walmart In California

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

I don't know what went over me, but for the very first time in my life I have committed a crime. I was shopping at walmart today and I bought two merchandise ($59 & $14). Before I made the purchase I swapped the price of both the products (to $39 & $4) to that of another one of lower value.

After I walked out of the store I was caught by the associates and they spoke about what I did. I obliged and agreed to the mistakes I had done. I was taken to their back office and was thoroughly checked and interogated. They took all the documents and also the products I bought. They returned the products and gave me back the money. I was asked to write in a blank sheet of paper of what had happened and I admitting to what I've done. Also signed the no trespassing paper too. Then they told me about Walmart sending me a letter asking to pay some money (damages). After that they handed me a paper that said California Penal Code Section 490.5 (b&c). They said they are not going to press any charges against me.

I have some questions here:
- Will there be any case charged against me?
- Would Walmart try to recover the charges...and in turn send a letter? If so where should I be paying the same?
- I'm a citizen of another country and I was currently visiting CA, US and have to leave back by mid of May. If I don't get the letter in time, what should I do? Should I be contacting walmart and speak to any of their representatives to discuss the same?
- Would they be deporting me?

Last but not the least, this is a big lesson for me....and I don't plan to get into the same....in the future. Please advice...

Quote:

---

- Will there be any case charged against me?

---

You mean will you be charged criminally? Walmart says no. However they have until the statute of limitations runs out to file criminal charges. thats somewhere around 1 - 2 years

Quote:

---

- Would Walmart try to recover the charges...and in turn send a letter? If so where should I be paying the same?

---

Not sure what you mean but the letter is a Civil issue any court fines would be your criminal case

Quote:

---

I'm a citizen of another country and I was currently visiting CA, US and have to leave back by mid of May. If I don't get the letter in time, what should I do? Should I be contacting walmart and speak to any of their representatives to discuss the same?

---

since you are leaving contact Wlamart ask for the number of their Civil Recovery service call them and make arrangements to pay

Quote:

---

- Would they be deporting me?

---

Since you were not charged criminally (yet if at all) ther eis no record to find to deport you

Thanks for the reply. Sorry for being not clear...

- Yes the officer said that I'm lucky that he (Walmart) wouldn't press charges on me. My question was would they change their mind and still do that?
- The officer had asked me to write on a sheet of paper what I've done (including the offence I've done, my admission and my co-operation with the officers in fixing the issue). Can they use this and charge a case against me? However I haven't signed on the paper.
- The letter what I mentioned was Walmart sending me the fine for the damages caused. Its more of the recovery service asking me to pay for the damages. Will I need to go to court to pay for the same?
- If I pay the damages and if no case was being charged by walmart, would this affect my chances to come back and work in this country?
- Last but not the least, the worst fear is that would Police come to my hotel to investigate the same further? Because walmart said they aren't pressing charges....would this still happen?

Thanks once again..

One last question, how do I find the contact number for Walmart Civil Recovery Service?

contact the walmart in your area and ask them for the number.

I have some questions here:
- Will there be any case charged against me? As Panther said, they have until the statute of limitations to do so... however, I seriously doubt they will if they told you that they won't... especially considering the low dollar amount of the attempted theft. I would think that if they intended to press charges, they would have either called the cops, told you they were going to press charges and you'd be getting a notice to appear in court in the mail, or, not said anything at all regarding criminal charges.
- Would Walmart try to recover the charges...and in turn send a letter? If so where should I be paying the same? Did they tell you you'd have to pay civil damages? If they send you a letter, it'll tell you the amount you need to pay. Considering your situation, I'd pay it in full, as soon as you get the bill! (I'm told that most of these civil recovery services accept credit cards - I know the one that I received a letter from did)
- I'm a citizen of another country and I was currently visiting CA, US and have to leave back by mid of May. If I don't get the letter in time, what should I do? Should I be contacting walmart and speak to any of their representatives to discuss the same? If you don't receive a civil demand by then, it wouldn't hurt to call.
- Would they be deporting me? I doubt it, since they say they aren't pressing charges... so there would be no reason to deport you. I don't think it would hurt to contact a criminal defense attorney who is knowledgeable with immigration law... maybe you can get a free consultation. Good luck.

Thanks for all the help here.

I did contact the Walmart Store (where I was caught) and spoke with their store associate. They indicated that a case wouldn't be charged as the associate (the guy who caught) said so.

I checked about making an arrangement to pay for the damages. The associate said that the process takes anywhere between 30 - 60 days for Walmart to sent me a letter. However I did indicate that I need to travel by mid of May. The associate checked my records on their system and said my record had been entered and went to take my Address and my phone number. They said if they don't hear from them, call back by first week of May. Also said I should be paying by check or money order.

I'm worried whether the letter comes on time and most importantly would Walmart process things faster in this case....
Or is there any other way to approach the matter and expediate the process?
Finally, in reality, how long does Walmart take to sent out the letter?

I believe you were instructed to call Walmart and ask for the number of thier Civil recovery Service. Why did you not do that?:wallbang:

Yes I did the same thing. I called 1-800-Walmart, got the contact number for the specific Walmart store and spoke to the person in charge.

However they weren't willing to give me the contact number for the civil recovery service and was saying that Walmart will be writing to me.

Is there a specific person I need to ask for who know this detail? Or should I be doing something else here.

I just tried calling Walmart again, but it gets transferred to various folks within the store. But none of them have no clue on the same. Is there anyother way to find this info?