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Caught shoplifting at a grocery store

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  • 03-13-2006, 01:28 PM
    lin
    Caught shoplifting at a grocery store
    I was caught shoplifting of a item worth less than $10 at a grocery store in Oregon. I am an adult. So stupid. The LP caught me outside the store and walked me back to their office. They asked me if this is my first time and if I have a criminal record. I said no. One LP took my driver license and left that room for a little while. They told me several times that they wouldn't call the police. They probably made copy of my driver license ( I am not sure). They filed couple paper works with my address and SSN, and they also took a picture of me. They explaine to me what is on the paper they filed. I was banned from their store and if I did again, I would be charged as felony. Last, I was told I would be charged a fine of $250 plus the cost of the item payable to the store. They even have a no-interest payment plan. I was told once I paid the fine it will not affect my credit or credit card. I was so upset, so I didn't hear clearly. They gave me a yellow copy of the instuction to pay for the civil penalty. On the copy, it says:
    In accordance with the Oregon anti-shoplifting law, a copy of which is on the back. we are authorized to demand that yu pay the retail value of the merchandise, an additional penalty, plus costs of suit and reasonable attorney fees. Therefore, a demand is hereby made upon you for the following amount.
    At the end, it say the store will send you a written confirmation of your civil file closure upon receipt of the final payment.
    You should be aware that these penalties are allowed in a CIVIL action and do not take the place of any separate criminal prosecution that may be imposed on you by the local autyorities (police/prosecutor).

    I was in that office about five to ten minutes. It happed so fast and I was very upset.
    I would really appreciate if you would answer my questions.
    Except for the fines, what shoud I expect from now on? Will they file the charges against me later? OR, file the report to my record?
    Do I have a criminal record now? Or, the incident will stay in that store?
  • 03-13-2006, 01:46 PM
    moviejim
    If they said they would not call the police, in all likelihood, they would not. Especially for less than $10.

    They are only asking for civil demand. When the civil demand letter comes, just pay the fine and you are all set.

    No criminal record. Just stay away from that store, otherwise they could charge you with tresspassing.

    Stay out of trouble now!
  • 03-13-2006, 02:04 PM
    lin
    Thank you very much for replying.
    Does "no criminal record" mean any backgroud check will fine me clean? Can I still apply for a governmental job? accounting or financing related job?
    Thanks!
  • 03-13-2006, 02:27 PM
    moviejim
    If the police are not involved, this is a civil case only between you and the store.

    Yes, you are clean. No criminal record whatsoever (unless they decided to press charges against you later.)
  • 03-13-2006, 02:32 PM
    lin
    Thank you very very much.
  • 03-14-2006, 07:27 AM
    lin
    I do appreciate this second chance very much.
    It will always be on my mind.
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