Stole from Walmart, Police Were Called

[murphya6]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NJ
I am 20 years old and I stole about $25 worth of gaming cards from a Walmart store. I was stopped by security, and taken into a room where they had me show them what I stole. They called the police, who said that they would press no charges, and essentially told me to never do it again. The security person earlier had mentioned that usually there was a fine given by the corporation itself, but I wasn't asked to sign anything by anyone as an admission of guilt. I'm wondering if anyone knows whether or not I will receive this fine, and if so how long will it take to receive? I did not think to ask the person then, as I was too nervous. Thank you.

[PandorasBox]

You will likely receive a Civil Demand in the mail from the stores lawyers. You can look up NJ Civil Demand to see how much it may be, but there is a usually a minimum amount. Expect $150 at the least.

Since they called the police....there will be a case file submitted to the prosecutor. So don't be shocked to get a court date in the mail.

Since you are 20, I will say this right now: Get out, find a job, because your job options are royally screwed for a long time. Get the job before you get convicted.

[murphya6]

Are you sure about that? the police specifically said there would be no charges brought against me and that there would be no court date, as they decided not to bother with the charges since the amount was so low. Looking into the Civil Demand it says that $150 is the most they can charge me, with the possibility of up to $500 in damages to the property, of which there were none. I was really just looking for an answer about the civil demand. Thank you for your reply.

[PandorasBox]

Yes, I am sure about it. See, unlike others here....who are lawyers, cops, or LP....I shoplifted once, got busted, got a record, and just got it expunged after 5 and half years. Yep, you are getting this straight from someone who has been there/done that.

There were damages. You stole merchandise, cost the store manager and Loss Prevention people time, not to mention others could have purchased your stolen items. And the security cameras are not free....

Once the store has called the police, charges are out of their hands. The police write their required report since they were called to a crime scene, it gets handed over to the Prosecutor's Office to decide on charges.

I am speaking from experience. I shoplifted. I got charged. I spent 5 years not being able to find employment. I got it expunged, so technically over 5 years later. I am still in the National Retail Theft DataBase (based on job hunting experience, another 18 months and I will be done with that).

You would be best off getting a job NOW when a background check will not show a conviction. And while you are at it, dig out the Yellow Pages, write down some numbers of Criminal Defense Attorneys (you will want to get a First Time Offenders Program or Adjudication Withheld, if you qualify). Expect $750-1500. Plus the Civil Demand. You may have to pay for a first time offenders program, probation, etc....

[tonynewman]

you would be surprised what they "will bother with" I was once in court many years ago and the lady that had a case before me was in there for theft of a 50cent candy bar that she ate in the store and did not pay for,, the judge had a laugh about it and all, she got off easy, but still had to go though the process, also police will always tell you its not a big deal and just to cooperate and things so that they can write down whatever you said at the time building an air tight case.