Caught Shoplifting Shirts from Walmart

[dcooling]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Indiana

I was caught foolishly shoplifting from Walmart the other day and had a few questions. I'm not sure why I did it, I guess I just thought it would be easy; I've never done something like this before. I was caught and brought into a small room. There I was asked some questions, and my ID information was taken. I'm not sure the amount of merchandize (it was a couple of shirts) but I would guess around $40. She didn't say much, only that I would be receiving mail from them within the next 2 weeks to 2 months. I don't believe the cops were specifically called, but one was there and ended up coming into the room to speak to me. My photo was not taken, fingerprints were not taken. I believe I made it pretty clear that I had no clue why I did it, and that it wouldn't happen again. The officer didn't talk to me about any court date and what not, instead he threatened how I could be cuffed and taken to jail in this instant. I know the cops were given my information though, because I heard them repeating my name through their mic. But I was not given anything but one piece of paper to sign and the knowledge of a letter that I'd be receiving (probably a civil demand letter from what I've read already). I know that you don't have to pay the civil demand letter. If I don't end up paying it and don't receive any court proceeding letters and what not, will I be paying anything? I'm confused about the actual IMPORTANT fine that I should be looking out for and on time to pay. Also, what do you think will be happening knowing that the officer really didn't say much about court or a charge of any sort? Do you believe he let me go this time? Or should I be expecting something for that in the mail as well?

[adjusterjack]

If I could predict the future I wouldn't be sitting here answering questions, I'd be at the race track.

You very likely will get the civil demand letter and probably be banned from the stores.

It's certainly possible that you could be criminally charged regardless of the events that took place or how it was handled.

You'll just have to sweat it out for a while.