Caught but Ignored LP and Left

[joe4287]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Wisconsin

I was caught removing two items worth $200 from a retail store recently. I wasn't really concealing them; I just noticed an opportunity to leave so I tried to take it. This was my first time ever attempting something like this, but obviously it was a big mistake.

LP was waiting for me just outside the doors. They asked me to go back inside for questioning. I simply put the items down and started walking away. They attempted to stand in front of me but I just walked around them and got in my car and left.

They clearly got my license plate, so the purpose of this thread is not the typical "will I be caught?!?!" thread. I assumed I would be caught eventually, unless for some reason I managed to slip through the cracks. I kind of thought (perhaps foolishly) that my chances would be better by leaving and waiting to be contacted by police than by going back inside and admitting to everything.

This was all a spur-of-the-moment decision, and I was clearly being stupid and not thinking it through. I don't want law enforcement showing up at my home or work. I am thinking now that I should have just cooperated with LP and accepted whatever was coming, as that would end the matter more quietly.

So, what I want to know is what should I do now. I already called the local courthouse and asked if there was a warrant on me, and they said there was no one in the system with that name. Should I:

1) Keep calling the courthouse daily, and if/when I do hear that there is a warrant out, self-surrender to avoid any embarrassing situations.
2) Just wait and see what happens.

Also I plan on seeking the advice of a lawyer, but for right now I don't really want to talk to one until if/when I am actually charged with something. Is this a good or bad idea? Should I be calling a lawyer right now?

[cyjeff]

No reason to talk to a lawyer until you know the charge.

As for the rest, the options are up to you.

[PandorasBox]

$200 worth of stuff....I would not be shocked if the police showed up at your home or atleast mailed you a summons to turn yourself in.

[joe4287]

$200 worth of stuff....I would not be shocked if the police showed up at your home or atleast mailed you a summons to turn yourself in.

Well, there's the thing. Should I try turning myself in in advance? If I keep calling the courthouse and asking if I have a warrant out, will I be able to find out in advance if they're coming for me?

[cyjeff]

Well, there's the thing. Should I try turning myself in in advance? If I keep calling the courthouse and asking if I have a warrant out, will I be able to find out in advance if they're coming for me?

Stop calling the courthouse.

Boy, these days even thieves demand instant gratification.

Has it occurred to you that calling and asking, "Anyone wanna arrest me today?" will eventually send an officer to your house to ask you some very pointed questions?

[joe4287]

I wanted to give an update on what happened next.

I went back to the store, because I figured I should just deal with the situation like an adult and identify myself rather than hide and wait. They were appreciative of me coming back, but they had already filed a police report and called the police again (as I expected they would).

I received a citation for retail theft, with a fine of $429. Court appearance is not required, and the police officer said I wouldn't need to appear if I just wanted to pay the whole fine.

I am wondering about contacting a lawyer for this. I am not sure what the total consequences of this will be, besides for just the fine.

[free9man]

Kudos for manning up and taking care of the situation in a mature manner. As for total consequences:

You can expect a civil demand letter from the retailer...pay it or be sued.

You can expect to run into trouble in the future applying for jobs as you will now have a criminal record.

You can probably forget about ever getting a job that requires a security clearance.

I can't believe WI just allows you to pay a fine and not even have to go to court. Oh well.

[joe4287]

Thanks for the information.

I decided to contact a lawyer, because if there is any way I can avoid having this on my record by doing community service or anything of the sort, I want to know about it.