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  1. #1

    Default Attempted Shoplifting

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

    I visited a Vons, picked up a prescription from the pharmacy, paid for it. I put the prescription in my cart. Then rolled the cart past some food items, put three small items in my cart, didn't pay for them, tried to go out the exit. The security alarm went off and the cart froze. The cart and I were not out the door. I picked up my prescription and walked away, leaving the items in the cart.

    So I didn't actually steal anything, but it will be very obvious on the security cameras that I attemtped to. Also if they see me visit the pharmacy they will determine instantly who I am.

    I contacted a criminal attorney already and waiting for them to call back.

    I just want to get some input regarding the likelihood that the store would go after me in civil or criminal court.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    641

    Default Re: Not Quite Shoplifting

    This is very much shoplifting. You do not have to leave the store with the items. You must have intent to deprive.

    That being said. I am sure you are fine. Stop stealing dude

  3. #3

    Default Re: Not Quite Shoplifting

    The attorney said it was "attempted shoplifting." Penalties are the same as shoplifting, but there is specific law to make it clear what constitutes an "attempt".

    It was a wake up call.

    I just started a new psychiatric medication and I think I was in a type of manic state, which is why doing this stupid thing and taking a huge risk seemed to my brain like a thrill. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist on Monday.

    I don't offer this as an excuse for immoral behavior, and I am learning just how severe the consequences are for theft on your record. One of the worst for future job prospects. But something has turned weird the past few weeks for me. You can see just how irrational I was that I tried to walk past the *freaking detectors*. And I had no plan for what to do if they went off. Anyone over the age of about 3 can figure out that they are likely to go off.

    Another person, not an attorney but knowledgable of the law, said there is about zero chance they will go after me.

    I am thanking God he sent me to a store with cart wheels that lock up so that I could have this wake-up call and stop at "attempted shoplifting" before I go any further.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    OH10
    Posts
    17,019

    Default Re: Not Quite Shoplifting

    Yeah, we know, you have never stolen a single thing before and this was a not your fault.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    641

    Default Re: Not Quite Shoplifting

    Definitely. Who knows why people do what they do.

    I wouldn't say zero chance, a very slim chance but not zero.

    They got their stuff thats all most places care about.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Not Quite Shoplifting

    You and your attorney can call it what you want, but the statute, charge, and penalties are the same whether they caught you in the attempt or you succeeded.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Not Quite Shoplifting

    Quote Quoting flyingron
    View Post
    You and your attorney can call it what you want, but the statute, charge, and penalties are the same whether they caught you in the attempt or you succeeded.
    Yes, I understand the penalties are the same, and I actually agree with that aspect of the law. But the attorney said there is more wiggle room to bargain with the DA and get it down to an infraction that won't go on the permanent record.

    Anyway it seems unlikely they'll file a police report. I confessed to my psychiatrist and I think I can stop now, because I am always brutally honest with him. I can't lie to him. And he is not going to let me go on thinking this is not a serious thing. Plus reading about the permanent record scared me.

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