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I have a response to my first topic. I talked to my manager at work today about what happened. He thinks that they are just trying to get a scare out of me. He said that even though the cop read me my rights, I was never arrested or taken to the police department. Do you think it's possible that nothing will happen? And they really were just trying to scare me? And maybe the reason they took all my information, was incase it ever happened again, they could take action? Please help me. again.
I'm in the same boat as you man.
I was detained at Costco and told that I should be expecting papers from the court in 3-6 months! The best advice I can give you is talk to some lawyers and ask about what you're facing.
Just look some laywers up online or in the yellow pages, and ask to schedule a phone consultation when the receptionist picks up the call. It's really not as hard as you might think. And talking to one will make you feel a lot better. Trust me, I went through the same thing.
I dont want to go to any lawyers if I'm not sure whats going to happen. You dont need a lawyer to represent you, do you? I mean I'm a 17 year old girl, who's never done this before. My record is or was clean. No traffice violations, nothing. And this being my senior year, if my family finds out, my life, everything is gone. So They told me I "may" recieve something in the mail by an attorny from kohls or the courthouse telling me when I'll have to go to court. But, my one manager used to work at kohls. But that was also 10 years to go....so yea...but she said that The used to just "scare" teh bejesus out of the person shoplifting. Depending on the amount the stole or if they look like they were the "type" to do this or not. So...I mean..I'm not getting my hopes up, but I mean, since I wasnt arrested, or brought to the Police Station, is it possible for them to be just scaring me??
Please Reply with any answers or informations. Thanks so much.
I'm checking this forum in between midterms. :(
Do speak to a lawyer, there's no reason for you to retain one but just speaking to one will make you feel a lot better. Most lawyers offer free consultations and they wont even take down any of your information over the phone.
Just tell him your story and he'll advise you on what you should do. Go ahead and call as many different lawyers you want to get a broad perspective on the situation. Keep in mind some lawyers will try to scare you into retaining them, but just say you'll talk to your parents and about it and that you'll call them back if you need their service.
I'm hoping that the stores are just trying to scare you since I'm in the same situation. I'll try to call my store up today to speak to their LP and beg her not to file charges; but you really wont know for sure until you've called the store yourself.
Good luck and I'll keep you posted as to how my situation turn out.
Well, I called the LP officers today and it looks like they already sent the paperwork in to the detective office :(
Take my advice, call the LP office asap and find out!
I dont have the number to the LP office. and I go into the store. I'm banned for life from any kohls in the country. And I think...and really hope they are only trying to scare me. If was a total juvinile thign to do, just a spur of the moment kinda thing. I wish I could take it back..I'm so scared...=\...I wish "sorry" and my tears were enough......
Post Back.
Yep, same thing with me. All you have to do is look up the store's number and ask for their LP department. Just act mature and try to plead with them.
Just know that it's not the end of the world if they're going to file charges. Worst case scenario, you go to court and ask for a public defender to help you out. You'll probably end up with deferred sentencing, which is just community service and some fines; or get accepted into the diversion program, which is even better.
After you complete your setence and your charge is dismissed, the whole thing will be put behind you and you wont have a criminal record to speak of. Really, it's not the end of the world.
Ok i emailed one of the attorneys I spoke with on the phone yesterday and felt really comfortable with.
He basically said that if I have trouble receiving contact with the court, like I don't want my parents to find out or anything, I can go ahead and give the court his (lawyer's) address and ask for everything to be sent to him. He'll then call me if anything turns up and, "If I have to contact you while you are at home, I can always say it's regarding an immigration case for your friend at UW if your parents ask". Keep in mind he's promised to go to my arraignment and all this without charge.
Here's his concluding paragraph, which really made me feel a lot better about my situation:
Give me a call whenever you need to talk about your case (anytime before 8pm, even on weekends).I don't charge people for informing them of their rights. Don't worry too much about your case right now, I know its easy for me to say since it is your ass on the line. Remember, you have no prior and most of the time the city attorneys have bigger cases to deal with.?I seriously doubt the city is going to fight tooth and nails for $50.
I think I've really gotten lucky with this guy, but you should definetly talk to a lawyer about what's available to you.
Sweetie, I can guarantee you that they will process the papers.
My child did the same thing, $5.00 item.
Was not arrested, booked, taken to jail or anything. Information taken from LP officer.
Received a civil demand from the store (took weeks), then finally received a court date notice, scheduled 4 months after the incident.
Its a hard lesson learned. Wishing you the best.
Even with the diversion program, the charge will always show up. If you complete the program without getting into any other trouble, it will show no conviction. Then you have to get your stuff expunged (waiting period depends on state)...
Also, do not assume that your parents won't find out. After my child was detained, it is public record. You will be surprised how many criminal defense lawyers will mail you letters offering their services. It is bound to get out.
Your best bet is to be honest with your folks. I am sure they won't be mad just disappointed.