Three Friends Caught Shoplifting Together

[Nelskyy]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida

Hello I would like to have some questions that have to be answered...

Anyways me and a group of 3 friends got caught stealing from Walmart (one did not steal but counted as an accomplice) the total of the theft was 72$ they called a cop over and he filed a police report since walmart is filing charges but anyways my question is how much would be the fine from Walmart be? And would we have to appear in court? We do regret doing this and feel guilty about it... Any replies would be helpful please and thanks!
We are located in orlando Florida

[jk]

if the DA files charges, yes, it is likely there will be a visit or two to the court.


walmart can make a civil demand of up to 3 times the value of the merchandise or $200, whichever is greater.

Will they? Only they know.



as to the possible crime charged:

(3)(a) Theft of any property not specified in subsection (2) is petit theft of the second degree and a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, and as provided in subsection (5), as applicable.

possible penalty; up to a $500 fine, not more than 60 days in jail

[Nelskyy]

Thank you for the reply! Is it highly likely to go to jail for it or no? I mean we are just college kids who all work and just ended up making a bad decision...

[PandorasBox]

Jail time is unlikely for first time offenders.

I would recommend a criminal defense attorney to see if the charges can be reduced through a plea deal or a diversion program.

[Nelskyy]

Okay thank you. I do have some traffic violations on my record that wouldn't go towards it right?
And the officer did say the state attorney would be giving us each a call, so what does that mean? And us being sued by Walmart we would just be sent the civil demand? And they charged us as whole should that count? We did act on our own will, so shouldn't they have divided the cost?

[PandorasBox]

You will likely EACH be charged for the whole amount. So each of you should expect Civil Demand of $200.

Court costs and fines. And any attorney fees.

You may be ordered into an Anti-Shoplifting class, or probation, or Community Service (you get to pay for the privilege).

Traffic violations....I don't believe those count....unless they were on a criminal level....

State Attorney calling...never heard that one before....so no idea what to tell you to expect.

Oh....if you are on Financial Aid for college, or a scholarship....the shoplifting charge may cost you that.

[Nelskyy]

I really do appreciate the answers you guys are giving me. The civil demand i understand that is fine with me, the police officer said he was not going to arrest us but he did mention the state attorney was going to give us a call so I'm confused( I understand if you're confused as well) the LP people at Walmart just told us that we were gonna get a fine in the mail( which is probably the civil demand) I didn't really here anything about a court date or anything so I'll keep you posted on that! I'm just hoping it doesn't come out to costly, but would they have a payment plan of any sort? and I know we are guilty, we do feel bad about doing that, and the traffic violations were not on a criminal level but hopefully all goes semi well!

- - - Updated - - -

I would also like to add that we were trespassing and not allowed at that Walmart again, and just to wait for the fine in the mail, is thy all that's gonna happen?

[jk]

State Attorney calling...never heard that one before....so no idea what to tell you to expect.

the district attorney or prosecuting attorney is called the state's attorney in some places. They are all the same.

[PandorasBox]

JK...thanks. In my 3+ years, I have never heard that term before....

Nellsky:
(1) The ban from the store....99.9% of the time means ALL WalMarts, worldwide, along with affiliates like Sam's Club.

(2) Payment plans - you would have to work it out with WalMart (or their lawyers) for the Civil Demand. And the court for court costs/fines. In the end...expect $72 to turn into $1000-$3000. Seriously. For each of you.

And again, if you are on scholarship or financial aid, a misdemeanor charge can mean you lose that aid....

[PTPD22]

In addition to endangering any financial aid, your driver’s license may also be suspended under 812.0155 - Suspension of driver’s license following an adjudication of guilt for theft. Also, just FYI, the fact that three of you worked together to commit this crime is strong evidence of premeditation. In many states (although apparently not FL), you could have been charged with a felony offense under a burglary, organized retail theft, or similar statute.