Caught Shoplifting at Walmart in New York

[ppkk]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: i am 19 i was caught shoplifting at walmart for 11 dollars worth of items, no police was called and no charges were filled they just took my information down and said that walmart will send me a letter in about 2 weeks to pay double the price of what i owe
should i be scared of anything else happening?

[tc498]

Chances are since it was a low value they didn't bother calling the police,lucky you b.c some store will get you arrested for stealing a kit kat. Just pay the fine and don't steal again. Walmart might enter your name in the shop lifters database thou. Paying 22 dollars is also a gift,the civil demand can be a lot more then 22.

[flyingron]

I would suspect the civil demand you'll get from Walmart's lawyers WILL be more than $22. NY allows more and Walmart is not generous.
I would also not rule out that them filling a criminal complaint against you.

[learninglaw]

$22.00 would really be a 'gift' in this situation. With the economy being so bad lately shop lifting has been at a high which has forced the hands of many businesses. As Flyingron mentioned Walmart is not generous and you could be in for a rude awakening. Again I would pay the 'fee' immediately if that's all they choose to do. In the future I would avoid visiting that store again as well. Don't want to risk any future incidents.

[ppkk]

I'm really scared, what do you mean a rude awakening?
what should i be prepared for
i don't want to get my parents involved

[PandorasBox]

You are looking at $150+ for that Civil Demand. It will arrive in the mail.

[flyingron]

$250 is what they're legally entitled to in NY, I suspect that's close to what they'll ask for. At 19 you are an adult. You can get your parents involved or not.

[Security Consultant]

In New York the Civil Demand is not to exceed the greater of five times the retail price of the merchandise or seventy-five dollars; provided, however, that in no event shall such penalty exceed five hundred dollars.