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  1. #1

    Default Caught Shoplifting at Walmart, No Police Were Called, Was Told to Expect Court Summon

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania

    I was caught shoplifting at walmart, (stupid i know, spare me the slap on the wrists) as i was leaving, an LP stopped me at the door, told me the items in my purse needed to be returned, and i should go back inside with him. i complied, without resisting and went into the back of the store with him. I allowed him to empty my purse in which he found 35.00 worth of merchandise. He did not call the police, but asked me a series of questions about myself. address, phone number, age height weight, he asked if i had a drivers license, to which i answered yes, and i believe he wrote down my drivers license number. i was not asked to sign anything, and he never explained how they caught me (im assuming camera). he then told me i should expect a court summons in the mail, and a letter from walmart that i could "basically not worry about". ive read a lot about civil demand letters, and was wondering if that is what will be coming? or if it will be a ban from walmart, either way is fine i accept the consequences of my actions, im also wondering if i will actually receive a court date? being as no police were called, and i wasnt asked to sign any papers admitting my guilt or anything of the sort? just nervous, and i know only time will tell ( ie: if i get a summons in the mail) just wondering if anyone knows the reality of these situations and what is most likely to happen.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Walmart, No Police Were Called, Was Told to Expect Court Su

    A court summons coming means they are reporting the incident to the police/prosecutor. You will be charged (possibly with only a summary offense). You'll end up having to go in and get fingerprinted and mug shot, and end up paying that fine. Some summary offenses you can deal with without appearing, some you will have to go to court on It's possible (though less likely) that you'll have to go to court on misdemeanor and face the possibility of jail time.

    If you were going to be banned from walmart, they'd have probably do so on the spot. The civil demand is NOT a fine and is unrelated to the court summons.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Walmart, No Police Were Called, Was Told to Expect Court Su

    he explained to me that it was a "retail theft: summary offense". apologies for not adding that in my OP. is there any chance that it WONT go as far as court, i believe i read up on a list of approvals the case has to go through before i will be sent the court summons? just confusing because cops were not called, i was not asked to sign anything, and they let me go? i understand the civil demand is a restitution fee that will have nothing to do with the case, but if not paid, can result in being sued by the company. i guess through the thick of it my question is, the LP told me the court summons would come. is there any chance that this will not happen, or is it a gurantee?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Walmart, No Police Were Called, Was Told to Expect Court Su

    There's hardly any chance you will not end up with the offense. The cops do not "need to be called" right away. As I said, you can get the summons, and even a misdemeanor charge in the mail. You will likely get the order to go in for the mugshot/fingerprint if you don't already have it. Things are real laid back for prosecution of shoplifters like you but the results for you are just as serious as if they'd hauled you down to the police station and through you in the cell right away.

    It's purely wishful thinking on your part that this is going away.

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