My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois
Please forgive me if this is unclear, but I am so upset and worried, as this just happened.
I was stopped in the parking lot of a Von Maur Department Store by a manat 9 p.m., who identified himself as Loss Prevention.
He asked me to follow him back inside the store, I think he said that we needed to talk or that he had questions for me.
I told him that I didn't understand and that I was not comfortable with that.
I again said I was confused and he reached for his identification and he continued to urge me to follow him.
After about two minutes, when I asked him again, what this was regarding, he said it was about the handbag or payment for the handbag and pointed to handbag on my shoulder.
I stated that I did not pay for the handbag and he motioned for me to follow him.
I stated that it was not intentional and he said that we could discuss this inside.
I was really scared at this point and handed him the handbag and said that I was not comfortable following him and turned and walked to my car.
He said that either way, it would be the same, I could follow him or the police could come to get me to talk to them.
As I was walking away, I heard him calling the police.
I drove away, but drove past about 10 minutes later and a police car was outside the store.
I have a previous shoplifting charge from 1994, I believe, which was a misdemeanor under $500.
Now, I am home and scared to death. I keep expecting the police to arrive at my door and don't know what I should do.
From what I am reading of others in this situation, I should seek the immediate assistance of an experienced criminal law lawyer.
Any advice would be appreciated.
I forgot to mention that I had made a purchase using a gift card while I was in the store and talked to an associate, who has my name, address, and phone number in her customer file. The Loss Prevention Officer knew that I had made purchases in the store and I feel it will be easy for them to identify me.
I suppose I am hoping that since I handed them the handbag, maybe...well, maybe they will just not pursue this. I know that it too good to be true.
And as I write this, my husband is asleep in the other room. I am so scared.
Should I have stayed?
What can I possibly do now?

