Stole from Employer in Michigan, No Charges Filed Yet
About a month ago I slipped up pretty bad and was caught in a very compromising situation. I worked at Best Buy, and one night I tried to take a video card ($350). I believe this would be Retail Fraud second degree in Michigan. This was not my intention when I came into work and a deeply regret hurting the people I worked with, all of whom placed so much trust in me. However, I assume responsibility for my action and I have some questions in regards to my situation. Please take the following into account. No one ever saw me with the card, nor was I on camera since about midway through I came to my senses and tried to rid my self of the card. The senior manager found the card after I had tossed it and confronted me. I signed a voluntary resignation form with the loosest verbal description of what happened possible, basically repeating on paper what the senior manager said happen. i.e. (Had card, thought was bad idea, put card back, accosted) I was not arrested but was escorted of premises by police officer who took my information. It has been a month and a half since then and I have not been contacted by anyone.
Questions:
1. The manager I talked to said they where not pressing charges. However the police were contacted. How likely it is Best Buy will not prosecute?
2. The police officer told me that it was all was up to the prosecutor whether or not to press charges. What does that really mean?
3. If I still receive no notice from anyone, how long is it until I should reasonably expect nothing to happen? And what exactly am I waiting for?
I appreciate the feedback. I have zipped around this forum getting some great information, but I have found my own experience different enough to warrant its own post. Thank you very much for the help.
Re: First offense in MI, no arrest..one month and a half lat
Quote:
Quoting Daijobu
I worked at Best Buy, and one night I tried to take a video card ($350). I believe this would be Retail Fraud second degree in Michigan.
It could potentially be a much more serious, felony charge in Michigan, if a prosecutor chose to pursue such charges. If you're 17 or older, Michigan would prosecute you as an adult.
Quote:
Quoting Daijobu
This was not my intention when I came into work and a deeply regret hurting the people I worked with, all of whom placed so much trust in me.
It's good that you feel remorse. From what you say, it sounds like your manager liked you and, even after this incident, tried (and probably succeeded) in giving you a big break.
Quote:
Quoting Daijobu
1. The manager I talked to said they where not pressing charges. However the police were contacted. How likely it is Best Buy will not prosecute?
If the prosecutor were viewing this as a possible felony charge, the prosecutor could proceed with charges even if Best Buy wished not to prosecute. Realistically, though, if Best Buy indicates that they are happy with the current resolution, there is a significant chance that a prosecutor would choose not to pursue a charge.
Quote:
Quoting Daijobu
2. The police officer told me that it was all was up to the prosecutor whether or not to press charges. What does that really mean?
It means that the police officer completed a police report describing the incident, and pursuant to standard practice the report was forwarded to the prosecutor's office for review and determination of what, if any, charges should be filed.
You may wish to try to request the police report from the police station under Michigan's FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) law. The last few lines of the police report will often indicate whether or not the file is closed, and the prosecutor's decision as to whether or not charges should be filed upon having reviewed the case. You can also contact the court to see if any charges have been filed under your name, or retain a lawyer to contact the prosecutor's office to check the status of the case.
Quote:
Quoting Daijobu
3. If I still receive no notice from anyone, how long is it until I should reasonably expect nothing to happen? And what exactly am I waiting for?
I don't know that it is possible to give you a timeframe.