Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    2

    Default Caught Helping a Friend Steal from Walmart

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania
    I know theft is wrong, I shouldn't do it. I need legal advice, not a moral lecture.
    I'm a minor, but my friend is over 18. She asked me to go to walmart. She makes it a routine to fill up a cart and get purses and bags from the store, take the cart and bags into the bathroom and fill them up. This sounds insanely stupid, but she has gotten away with it many times. I usually just watch which I know is just as horrible. Last weekend we got caught. The LP claimed we had over 600 worth of merchandise which I do not believe for one second. I know I was only carrying my purse which had less than 30 dollars worth of makeup and some tampons. (dumb things to steal, but my family doesn't have much). My main question is will I be charged for everything she was carrying as well? She had three bags and her baby in a baby carriage, I had my purse and her diaper bag. Also, will we be charged for the full amount of the items that we had? The officer that was called on scene said we would only be charged for everything that couldn't be resold, but I can't see Walmart being honest about what they could and couldn't resell. They are probably royally ticked and are just going to charge us for everything which I don't think is very fair. I know that my parents didn't steal the stuff so they shouldn't be paying a huge fine. Will their be anyway that I could do community service or something along those lines? I don't have a job, my parents wont let me I'm a straight A student and they say they want to keep it that way so I'm not permitted to work. Can someone tell me what kind of fee's or penalties that I will be facing.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    18,340

    Default Re: Walmart Theft

    Quote Quoting username17
    View Post
    The LP claimed we had over 600 worth of merchandise which I do not believe for one second.
    LP's word against the word of criminals. Guess who a judge will believe.

    Quote Quoting username17
    View Post
    I know I was only carrying my purse which had less than 30 dollars worth of makeup and some tampons. (dumb things to steal, but my family doesn't have much).
    And will likely have a lot less when they get through paying your fines and legal fees.

    Quote Quoting username17
    View Post
    My main question is will I be charged for everything she was carrying as well?
    Almost a guarantee that you will. You're an accessory to her crime so it's just like you committed hers as well as your own.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Quoting username17
    View Post
    Also, will we be charged for the full amount of the items that we had?
    Very likely.

    Quote Quoting username17
    View Post
    The officer that was called on scene said we would only be charged for everything that couldn't be resold,
    Probably not true. If you stole $10,000 from a bank, you'd be charged with stealing $10,000 from a bank, even the the bank can re-use the money. Right?

    Besides, it's not up to him. It's up to the prosecutor.

    Quote Quoting username17
    View Post
    I can't see Walmart being honest about what they could and couldn't resell.
    Very amusing, coming from a criminal.

    Quote Quoting username17
    View Post
    They are probably royally ticked and are just going to charge us for everything which I don't think is very fair.
    You're a criminal. Charging you for what you stole is completely fair.

    Quote Quoting username17
    View Post
    I know that my parents didn't steal the stuff so they shouldn't be paying a huge fine.
    I'm not taking the time to look it up, but many states hold parents responsible for the illegal actions of their minor children, maybe yours does, too.

    Quote Quoting username17
    View Post
    Will their be anyway that I could do community service or something along those lines?
    That's certainly a possibility. Juvenile offenses often go that way.

    Quote Quoting username17
    View Post
    Can someone tell me what kind of fee's or penalties that I will be facing.
    You've made an incredibly stupid mistake and there's no excuse for it. Fortunately, for you, you're a minor and whatever comes of this will be sealed and never see the light of day when you grow up.

    Your friend is not so fortunate. She'll have a criminal record that follows her for the rest of her life.

    PS: I suggest you dump her and find yourself some new friends.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Walmart Theft

    You're a minor, if your parents don't already know about this, now is the time to tell them.

    You were an accessory to her crime, you're lucky to not be charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft. And at $600 and 2 people, that would likely be a Felony. But yes, you will be charged for the same amount of theft as her.

    $600+ of merch....it is going to be obvious to the prosecutor and judge that neither of you are new to theft.

    They will need to take time off work to find a lawyer for you, and to go to court with you. Likely, they will be shelling out money for your lawyer, if you have a Diversion Program - your parents get the privilege of paying for you to do Community Service or whatever is required. There will be court costs and fines. There will be a Civil Demand from the store or it's lawyers - if not paid, your parents can be sued in Civil Court and the amount WILL increase to include their attorney fees, if still not paid, your parents credit history is screwed.

    Your parents may also have to pay for an anti-shoplifting class for you.

    While in the WalMart bathroom, did you or your friend ever read that sign they have that says shoplifting can cost you thousands of dollars? Congratulations - you have just cost your parents atleast $3000. Time to beg them to have a McJob so you can hand them your paycheck each week. Many people can hold onto Straight A's and work at the same time. You just won't have much time for a social life, which doesn't sound like a bad idea with the company you keep.

    By the way - you are likely banned from WalMart and Sam's Clubs. Better advise your parents of this too, because if they make you go shopping with them - you can be charged with Criminal Trespass. That means nationwide.....

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Stolen Property: Caught Shoplifting at Walmart with a Friend
    By bubberdub108 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 09-02-2012, 06:02 PM
  2. Repossession: Former Friend Wants to (Legally) Steal My Car
    By bobkipper in forum Cars and Dealerships
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 09-03-2011, 06:45 PM
  3. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: I Got a Ticket for My Friend Stealing but I Didnt Steal
    By dj00140 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 08-07-2008, 06:09 PM
  4. Theft and Larceny: A Friend Who Was Helping To Sell My Property Instead Helped Steal It
    By victimX2 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 12-01-2007, 07:27 AM
  5. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Don't Steal from WalMart
    By DONTsteal_from_walmart in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 10-27-2005, 02:37 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources