Caught Stealing in Walmart

[Miranda04]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania

So today I made the dumb mistake of stealing from a local walmart. It was the first time I've ever stole, but I got caught and was brought to the back where there was a police officer. I did not get arrested except they did take all of my personal information and took my photo. They said I would get a letter in the mail and most likely get a fine. I am only 18 and a freshman in college. The last thing I want is for this to stay on my record. Is there any possible way that it might not be, is there anything I could do? They didn't mention anything about court just if I don't pay the fine that there will be a warrant out for my arrest. Also they told me I am banned from all their stores.I just need some questions answered and hopefully peace at mind.

By the way I am not looking for a lecture. I know what I did was wrong and I was just being young minded thinking I wouldn't get caught. I regret being so dumb and making that decision after 18 years of never doing such a thing. I have not stopped stressing over this since it happened because I don't want my future to practically be over for my one time dumb actions.

[brownj12]

I got caught and was brought to the back where there was a police officer. I did not get arrested except they did take all of my personal information and took my photo.

This may sound like a stupid question but are you 100% sure it was an actual police officer, not a security guard or Walmart loss prevention.

They said I would get a letter in the mail and most likely get a fine.

There are two different things than can come for you in the mail. One is a civil demand, this will simply be a fine from Walmart, if you pay it the it goes away, otherwise they can sue you for it and the judgement will end up on your credit report. The other and the much bigger concern is a citation and/or court summons. This will be from the city or county and is much more serious, if you recieve one you need a lawyer.

The last thing I want is for this to stay on my record. Is there any possible way that it might not be, is there anything I could do?

If they press charges then you need a lawyer and the lawyer needs to explore the option of a diversion program or a plea that will get the charge changed to something non-criminal, the exact details vary by area. You need to find a lawyer familiar with your court system, if you can look into legal services available through your school, a lawyer might be available there for a reduced rate. If you haven't told your parents already you need to do that, things can get pretty expensive and paying fines and fees on time can be key to completing a diversion program.

They didn't mention anything about court just if I don't pay the fine that there will be a warrant out for my arrest. Also they told me I am banned from all their stores.I just need some questions answered and hopefully peace at mind.

If the police were actually called then you will likely be charged. If they weren't then you may only get a civil demand which can be paid without court involvement. If you recieve any thing from the city our county you need to take it to a lawyer, there may be an option to just pay a fine but that is nearly always connected with admitting guilt which you DO NOT want to do.

I have not stopped stressing over this since it happened because I don't want my future to practically be over for my one time dumb actions.

It is going to be stressful, there is no way around that. Typically the courts will give you a second chance through a plea or a diversion program, however nothing is guaranteed, if you are given this type of opportunity make sure you comply with all instructions and requirements fully.

[PandorasBox]

If it was a police officer, then you were technically arrested and released on personal recognizance. And that guarantees that you will be going to court, and you will be needing a Criminal Defense lawyer. Ask the lawyer about any First Time Offender/Diversion programs. That is the ONLY way this will not remain on your record. If you do get a First Time Offenders program, the arrest record and charge will be removed after a probationary period.

A plea deal down...unfortunately, the original charge can still be seen by a simple state background report...which costs only $10 average for anyone to find a criminal record. So while I plead down to Disorderly Conduct, my report shows: Larceny; reduced to Retail Fraud, final disposition Disorderly Conduct. And on a job application, well...they want to know everything: City/State, Date of Charge; Original Charge (Retail Fraud), Final Deposition (Disorderly Conduct, paid fines).

So yes...that can screw up job options for many years....so get a lawyer and ask about First Time Offenders program.