Shoplifting at Kohls

I'm 20 yrs old. I was caught shoplifting a shirt, (on video) I think it was about 40 dollars. This is my first offense, I have no criminal record whatsoever. The Kohls security took my information, had me return the shirt, and had me sign a release saying I would never enter a Kohls Store again. The police were not called. The security guard told me that I would recieve a letter within 7 buisness days stating a fine anywhere between $20 - 500 dollars. He said that if I did not pay or wanted to appeal, I would have to go to court and end up paying more money than what they originally ask for. He also told me that this would not show up on my criminal record. I've been reading other people's entries on here and it's made me wonder - should I believe this guy? Do you think I'll recieve a fee in the mail and that's all - no court or anything? I feel so fortunate that the cops were not involved but how likely is it the police were not called after I left. I'm just so worried about all of this. Thanks for any advice you can give.

I am in the same exact situation as you are ........I am flipping out ........literally! I know where u are at

:( when did this happen to you? I think we'll be ok, hopefully we'll just have to pay a fine & that's all.

Loss prevention officers generally don't lie about these things, and if the police are going to be involved they are usually called before the suspect leaves (or is released from) the store. So you're probably fine. (And lucky.)

I really hope so. And you're right, I am lucky (thus far) AND I'm definitely learning from my mistake.

I sure hope this is correct because my lawyer has me frightened to death telling me that in Los Angeles this happens all the time where the suspect is let go and then is brought up on criminal charges. Unfortunately, I don't know whether or not to believe him. Since I have a state license for my work this is a really big deal to me because a misdemenaour will cause me to lose my job. Lets just hope!

well, that's what I'm afraid of! I don't see how they can "lie" to us though ... but who knows. hopefully nothing will come of it. just try and remain positive - as hard as it is.

Here is what you all need to know; This letter from Kohls does not carry a "fine". It is actually a small civil law suit against you. Certain states allow a business to bring legal action against someone for such crimes as shoplifting. You should all consider yourselves lucky for not having the police called when you were caught. You will not have a criminal record but will need to pay the amount included in the letter. If you fail to pay, it will get sent to a collection agency and then eventually, there will be a warrant placed for your arrest and then it will get very expensive.

STOP STEALING :evil:

So if I pay the amount in the letter - it'll be all over and done with? No court afterwards?

You are luck that the police weren't called. The letter you will receive from Kohls is a civil demand letter. However, what kohlsLPO was talking about is not true. You won't be sent to collections if you don't pay nor will a warrant be issued for your arrest. It's not a judgement againts you so it can't go on your credit report. If Kohls decides to take you to court for not paying, it would be civil court not criminal. If you loose that case, it could cost you more than the original demand letter and it can then be sent to collections as a judgement againts you. Again, it's a "civil" demand, no arrest warrant can be issued for not paying a civil demand letter. It's a civil action. I would think KohlsLPO just wants you to pay the civil demand. Most places don't do anything if you don't pay, other then send you a few more letters.

how long does it take for the letter to arrive?

Hi guys,
It's been a couple of months and I hope everyone is ok (?). I'm in the same boat as of last night. Could you pleeeease update me on what happened with you? I am freaking out. Same thing happened to me last night: no police, but they took all my info, photo, made me sign a form that I wouldn't go back in the store for one year (or they could arrest me) and told me I'd get a letter about a fine anywhere from $50-500. The merchandise I tried to take was valued at just below $25. Yes, I'm stupid - I know, I paid for a bunch of stuff and tried to take something little as a "bonus". NEVER again! They also told me this would show up on my "background check" for two years which would be something employers look at when applying for jobs. I'm totally freaked out, not so much about the employment background check, but because I'm in the middle of applying for citizenship. What kind of background check are they talking about, FBI? I'm planning on just paying the fine - I want this to go away as smoothly as possible. I'm very ashamed. But most of all I need to know what the consequences will be for me (other than monetary). Please help me!!! Thanks. :confused: