Caught on Camera but Not Detained

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania

At Target I filled one of their hand baskets with some simple items- a few towels , a pen, and a binder. Valued at less than $50.00. During my shopping I began to have a panic attack, I suffer from anxiety and have been prescribed medicine for it. I had to get out of the store and all I could think about was going to my car to get my medicine- so I ran out, still holding the basket. I threw the basket in my trunk, took my medicine, and began to leave- just as an employee tapped on my window and said- do you have one of our baskets? In my state I said, basket?- no. and drove away. I am pretty sure that she wrote down my license plate number and also sure that I am on camera shopping and then leaving the store, basket in hand. I haven't heard anything as of now, 9 + hours later. Ive never been in trouble for anything else before and I am so scared that she got my license and that the police will be after me. When I realized what I had done- I drove back to the store and dropped the basket off outside the store. I couldn't stand to go back in. Am I in trouble? Please help..

Sooooooo, droppin' the basket PRIOR to exiting never occurred to ya? It seems you did have enough presence-of-mind to open your trunk and toss it in, then start the car and drive off, so your "state" seems to have little, if any relevance.

If they choose, they can turn over the video and license plate info to the local PD.......

thanks for the reply- I now, in a more ludic state, realize the gravity of the situation. Should the store involve the local police, when would I hear from them? Would they come to my house, send me a letter, call- what?

The Police have until statute of limitations runs out to contact you. That is somwhere near 1 to 2 years. They can contact you in a variety of ways
. Visit to your home
. Visit to your work
. Letter
. Call
Or any means they have available

If this only happened yesterday, you may very well still hear from the police.

the statue of limitations is, I believe, two years; however, to me it doesn't seem very likely that they would wait more than two days or so- what are your thoughts on a time frame?

also- im a medical student- if I am contacted, will this effect me later when I apply for my licenses?

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Quoting jwo

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the statue of limitations is, I believe, two years; however, to me it doesn't seem very likely that they would wait more than two days or so- what are your thoughts on a time frame?Its up to Law Enforcement

also- im a medical student- if I am contacted, will this effect me later when I apply for my licenses?

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I suspect a conviction will cause you problems yes

hi everyone-

Thanks for the replies. Its been almost three whole days and I haven't heard anything yet. I've done a lot of research about this topic and I think that I have discovered a major flaw in the way that the situation was handled.

All of the information that I have read said that the employee must clearly identify him/herself. The woman who approached my car was wearing a simple red polo and tan pants. She never identified herself as a person of authority, never asked to see proof of payment or asked if I took anything, also she did not demand that I remain with her. So with all this in mind, isn't it possible to plea, if necessary, that I was unaware of her affiliation- if any- with the store?

:wallbang:

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Quoting mmmagique

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:wallbang:

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A most accurate assessment TripleM! The "major flaw" bit is almost humorous!

3 days down.....362 to go........AND, according to your OP, you WERE asked about the basket o' merch!!! Official identification non-withstanding, she was probably a bit preoccupied with wondering if she was gonna get runover as your "panicked" self was getting away!

I only ask one more thing: When you possibly graduate, and get a job in the medical field, will you come back and tell us where it is........SO WE CAN AVOID IT LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!

I was gonna say that...but...:wallbang:

And I held back a bit....didn't wanna see another post axed for me bein' a bit too, how do ya say, forthcoming.;)

The OP needs to take a gander at another recent thread on this board....the one about being charged months later!:eek:

seriously! its disturbing that a "medica student" can really be this dumb. first of all, the police arent going to rush the swat team to raid your house for shoplifting. they will take their sweet time because well because the can and because they have better stuff to do. secondly, your "excuse" about the LP not identifying herself and all that c*** isnt going to get you anywhere in court. if you do get prosecuted i hope you dont stand before a judge and mumble your lame reasoning. You committed a crime and theres no good excuse for it. the real punishment you are getting here is not knowing if and when theyre coming after you. hehe

To think I was shocked that someone (a student at my school who is taking paralegal classes) ripped out the relevant pages in the law books at my school.

I was shocked that someone who "loves the law", doesn't have the same respect for books. (I know, I know...)

But still, I find myself baffled that someone who is taught to have a moral and ethical code above and beyond what is expected of the ordinary person, can have so little regard for the law. And announce it on a public board. Even if noone knows who they are.