Caught Shoplifting at Rite Aid

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania

Today, I was caught shoplifting 2 small items (Chapstick and medicine) totaling 9 dollars from Rite Aid. I was escorted to the back room from the LP agent, and he asked me for my information. I am a college student, and I gave him most of my information, but I did not give him my SSN or my normal address. I gave him my name, college dorm address, and cell phone number. I signed a pink document that he gave me, but I was stupid enough not to read what I was signing so I'm not entirely sure what it exactly consisted of. He told me I was never allowed back in Rite Aid and to expect something from the corporation in my mailbox (which is my college address). He seemed like a pretty nice guy, but did write up the report and did not call the police or anybody else. I guess I should be expecting a Civil Demand letter probably for around 250$ from what everyone else seems to be getting. Stinks that it's so much money for such a small amount of merchandise, that he took back that I did not actually leave from the store with. What is this thing about ARD or expungement in PA? I'm only going to college here so I don't know much about the laws here. Since he didn't copy down my SSN, home address, home phone or any other information, but my name and DOB, would the company be able to find me later on? Should I pay the Civil Demand?

Thanks so much guys. I feel horrible about what I did and will never shoplift again. I'm just thanking the heavens that I got such an easy initial warning to stop this.

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but did write up the report and did not call the police or anybody else

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Then you have no criminal citation

FYI - Just because a report wasn't made to the PD, doesn't
mean you will not be charged. If the civil demand is paid, it
is unlikely you will be charged

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What is this thing about ARD or expungement in PA?

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Only used in criminal court as a diversion program

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and to expect something from the corporation in my mailbox

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I guess I should be expecting a Civil Demand letter probably for around 250$ from what everyone else seems to be getting

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That's about it . . . can be up to $500, usually half

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Should I pay the Civil Demand?

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Not paying it could lead to BIGGER trouble

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Stinks that it's so much money for such a small amount of merchandise, that he took back that I did not actually leave from the store with.

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The amount of the items 'taken' is irrelavent

You are paying for those you have not been caught

Rather inexpensive for a lifelearning lesson I would say

thanks for the information. I also hear though that most companies will not pursue legal action because it's too costly for them. Is that true? i'm not sure i would be able to pay 300 dollars.

If they win and they will it cost them nothing as they will seek the cost as part of the damages

oh i see. what do you think would be the likelihood that they would actually file a civil suit? For only 9 dollars? I really don't think I can incur a 300 dollar fine right now as a college student. I understand that I should pay for what I have done and that I broke the law, but I pretty much did it because i'm practically broke and can barely afford food.

Then make payment arrangments. Before it gets to court it will rise triple maybe. Your few hundred could cost you a few grand if your not careful

[QUOTE=verynervous;262571]oh i see. what do you think would be the likelihood that they would actually file a civil suit? For only 9 dollars? I really don't think I can incur a 300 dollar fine right now as a college student. I understand that I should pay for what I have done and that I broke the law, but I pretty much did it because i'm practically broke and can barely afford food.[/QUOTE]

So everyone with a limited bank balance should be able to steal?

But I hear that they rarely take anybody to court because it costs too much time and effort. Is this true?

I completely agree with you. My actions were horrible, and I will never do it again. I had a momentary lapse in morals, and I'm glad I got caught so I can learn my lesson. I just feel that 300$ is too much for a first time offender with no record or anything.

$300.00 too much!? It cost retailers over 13 billion (with a B) dollars each year on shoplifting alone!! You dont get to think its too much you lost that right when you stole. Now if the Law firm takes it to court or not I cant say. They cant lose so I dont see why not. Even if they dont a negative goe sin your credit file but not bfore price is raised quite a bit. This can blow up on you later. Not to mention if store is really mad they have option to file the charges on you they did not file at time! Its a crap shoot so do you feel lucky!?

I understand that retailers incur a lot of damage from shoplifting, but I didn't even get away with the 9 dollars worth of stuff so it's not like I actually contributed to that shrinkage. So paying the 300 dollars is by far the best bet for me? Even if I didn't really give any valuable information or take anything?

Any thoughts from anyone else? I do appreciate your help though panther.