At this point:
- Pay the Civil Demand. You will find $7.99 was very cheap in comparison.
- Consult with a Criminal Defense Lawyer and have him/her on speed dial in case charges are filed.
- Do not even go into the mall parking lot.
At this point:
- Pay the Civil Demand. You will find $7.99 was very cheap in comparison.
- Consult with a Criminal Defense Lawyer and have him/her on speed dial in case charges are filed.
- Do not even go into the mall parking lot.
Your first post indicated you went out the first door, not just stepped away from the register; and yes that would constitute shoplifting, retail fraud, larceny or whatever it is your state calls it.
Whether or not it was your intent to steal the merchandise is up for speculation, in many states the act of trying to leave the store without paying for the item shows the intent to do so. The defense that "but I bought this jacket" really holds no water as shoplifters commonly pay for one item while trying to get away with not paying for another.
You were given notice not to return to the mall property, doing so can result in your arrest for trespass. The fear that you might be recognized sometime in the future while visiting another retail store as "the shoplifter from Sears" is simply the stigma you are going to have to bear.
Either stop stealing or start paying attention and managing your time better.