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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
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    3

    Post Caught Shoplifting at Macys

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: I was caught shoplifting at Macys with $69 for of merchandise. They took me in the the back and they made me sign some papers (I didn't give them my Soc. number), one of the LPs took a picture of me (on her phone), and they said that they spotted me from the minute I walked into the store. They said I have to pay $100 as a civil demand fee, I could have paid it then or later no but they also said I would something in the mail saying I have to pay. What are they sending in the mail that i have to pay for?

    Also they said they were pressing charges, they called the cops. A cop came but they didn't take me to jail. He didn't give me anything like a citation. Should I still be expecting that? Even if they didn't take me to jail, are they still going to press charges? If so, when should I be expecting the paper saying I have to go to court?

    Also, if I get charged, what's the process of getting a public defender so I can meet them before my court date?

    What else, other than paying the civil demand fee, can I do to get this dismissed?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
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    19,901

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Macys

    It's quite possible you will be charged at a later time (if you told us the state rather than ignoring the question, we'd might have a better idea). When charged, if you are indigent and unable, rather than just unwilling to pay for an attorney, you can request a public defender. Otherwise plead not guilty and keep quiet until you have counsel.

    Depending on the state there may be some options available to you.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
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    105

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Macys

    Macy's is very aggressive in prosecuting shoplifters so I expect that you will receive a notice, either by personal delivery or in the mail, of a court date. I cannot say when that will come, but usually within 30 days of the incident.

    Generally, you cannot get a public defender appointed before the first court date. At the first appearance you explain to the judge that you cannot afford a lawyer and that you would like one appointed for you. If you have to enter a plea at that point, you plead "not guilty".

    Ask the lawyer if there is a diversion or deferred sentencing program available to you. If so, you would have to pay program fees and perhaps do some counseling and/or community service, but if you complete the program you will avoid having a criminal conviction on your record. This is not available everywhere.

    You will also receive a separate letter in the mail for the civil demand. This is a penalty designed to financially compensate the store when a shoplifter is apprehended. Even if the store recovers the merchandise, the idea is that a shoplifter should have to pay some compensation to the store for its time and trouble. Most states have some form of it, although the specifics vary from state to state. It is entirely separate from the criminal process. It is best to pay it.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
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    3

    Post Re: Caught Shoplifting at Macys

    [ if you told us the state rather than ignoring the question, we'd might have a better idea]

    Indiana

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    105

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Macys

    I believe that in Indiana any theft crime, even a minor one, can be charged as a felony if the prosecutor wishes to do so. A felony is a very serious crime. However, most shoplifting incidents of less than $250 are charged as criminal conversion, a misdemeanor. Some lawyers who advertise their services for this sort of thing claim that if charged as misdemeanor they can, in some cases, negotiate some sort of diversion or dismissal agreement if you take an anti-shoplifting class and perform community service. So, it may not be hopeless if you consult competent legal counsel, either privately or appointed by the court.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Posts
    12

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Macys

    you are lucky, Mancy only charge you $100 civil demand fee, in other states, they charge $500 or $350.

    if theres a court date coming up, and if this is ur first defense, you'll have court cost, and community service, likely no jail.

    good luck, and dont do it again.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    1

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Macys

    i am a chronic petty shoplifter but have never been caught or confronted- I'm now worried that maybe by video camera or credit card purchases at the same store that I steal from, that hey might be on to me or might send the cops to my house. I really finished doing this stupid stuff, but also want to know that I'm in the clear. Nobody has ever stopped me or confronted my in the parking lot either.
    I just feel that knowing my luck, a court order will come out of the blue to my house (cause they discovered my pattern from the same store via video camera and id me via credit card purchases form the same days I stole" What do you guys think?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Macys

    danlbu:

    First, you should have started your own thread.

    Second - there are 3 threads in the Shoplifting forum that would be great reading material for you.


    While you may not have been caught YET....let's say you shoplifted at WalMart today. Depending on what state you live in, the store has 1-2 years to press charges. And yes, if they catch you tomorrow and review tapes, oh yes...you can be busted for past events.

    I'll warn you right now....from experience....1 incident can cost you over $2000. You will have a criminal record to haunt you for the rest of your life. Lose the job you have now - you're gonna be royally screwed when you have to find a new one, and have to disclose your criminal record, or have it show up on a background check.

    Be aware - if you go to a store with a friend and you shoplift...your friend can be charged as well. So if you're going to keep stealing, have the decency to do it while shopping alone.

    Also - check into Shoplifters Anonymous....

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Macys

    It's been almost a month and I still haven't heard anything from Macys (even after I paid the civil demand fee) or from the courts. When should I expect to hear anything from either and if I don't hear hear anything, who should I contact?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    1,419

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Macys

    Quote Quoting danlbu
    View Post
    i am a chronic petty shoplifter but have never been caught or confronted- I'm now worried that maybe by video camera or credit card purchases at the same store that I steal from, that hey might be on to me or might send the cops to my house. I really finished doing this stupid stuff, but also want to know that I'm in the clear. Nobody has ever stopped me or confronted my in the parking lot either.
    I just feel that knowing my luck, a court order will come out of the blue to my house (cause they discovered my pattern from the same store via video camera and id me via credit card purchases form the same days I stole" What do you guys think?
    Many time they either missed you stealing something or if it's a few dollars they wait until the value adds up. Sometimes they have a picture and are on the look out,chances are if they never stopped u nothing will be mailed,I would keep low. If for some reason you are arrested don't admit to stealing so and so items many times,they might suspect something but it's on them to prove it. No matter what the lps,mangers or cops telll u,just shut up and ask for a lawyer.

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