Spotted Stealing but Released - Will I Get Caught

[memaphite]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: texas

So about a week ago i went to wal mart to go look for some things. I won't really get too much into the backstory because i realize that shoplifting is shoplifting no matter what.

I took some batteries and placed them inside my jacket when nobody was looking. I put the batteries only in there, and discarded the package in another aisle. when i got to the security checker thing, an LP guy stopped me and flat out asked me where the batteries were? I said i don't have anything and he asked me to empty my pockets and I emptied my pants pockets, aswell as showing him the contents of my bag ( i bought some chips and salsa) and nothing was there. he asked me where I put the batteries and I said i just put them back. Then he asked me "are you sure?" and I said yes and then he just walked past me. I got out of there asap.

I have taken from this store before so it's possible that I was on close watch when i came in, but i have never been busted. one of my dad's friends gave me a ride there and back to my place.

I was just wondering, what might be the possible outcomes of this situation? will they come after me? will they get my dad's friend's liscense plate number and use it to come after me? what other things might happen?

i'm probably never going to shoplift again because i'm extremely spooked at the moment. this is probably the closest i have ever gotten to trouble. i've got a bright future ahead of me and now realize that i don't want to do anything to mess it up.

[LawResearcherMissy]

will they come after me? will they get my dad's friend's liscense plate number and use it to come after me?

They certainly can, and they've got a year to do it. You can find yourself hauled off by LP until the police show up to take your info, which will result in at least one court date, plus fines and restitution, lawyer fees, and probation. Add to that, a civil demand that if you don't pay, you can be dragged into court for, along with more attorney fees (theirs AND yours) and court costs.

Stay out of that WalMart. You're on their radar now.

i'm probably never going to shoplift again because i'm extremely spooked at the moment.

PROBABLY?? Sugar, if you don't change that to "definitely", you're a fool.

[memaphite]

what do you think are the chances of me getting caught if i stay out of walmart? they can't track me by lisence plate but wont they be able to track me by dad's debit card?

and yeah i'm never shoplifting again lol

[viol8te]

How bout, they'll just track you when you come in and dedicate some time to watching your every move. The 105 knows that you took the batteries. I guarantee you this. Now, they are just hoping that you are stupid enough to not realize that you are on their radar.

[memaphite]

so what should my next move be? to go return them, or just to wait it out until i'm found?

[LawResearcherMissy]

so what should my next move be?

What part of "Stay out of that WalMart" were you not able to parse?

[memaphite]

What part of "Stay out of that WalMart" were you not able to parse?

yeah i'm definately going to do that. maybe only shop at target from now on or something. thanks for the insight!
i know i'm not out of the woods yet but getting that close has really scared the living S*** out of me to never do something like that again

[PandorasBox]

Here's to scare you further: What would happen if you got caught? First off, you would have a criminal record that would haunt you for years, making it difficult to find employment, or even an apartment (some apartment complexes actually will not take a renter who has committed a crime of moral turpitude). In addition to that, you would have court fines; legal fees for a lawyer or public defender; and a Civil Fine from the store. Grand total can easily run into the THOUSANDS of dollars.

Oh..as for your fathers friend...you might want to come clean with him now, in case the LP did get his plate number and send the police to knock on HIS door.

[memaphite]

dang... yeah i am going to go talk with him soon, but i don't know what he could do. wouldn't he be charged with a crime too if he didn't give me up?