Caught Shoplifting a Flash Drive

[NickThompson17]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: TEXAS

I'm a 17 year old who has just graduated from high school. I went to Walmart to get a flash drive for college, and when I saw the price was $20, I figured why not just break the packaging and put in my pocket(idiot)? I walked around the store, and honestly felt like I was being watched the whole time but ignored my gut. Got the flash drive out, ditched the packaging, walked out the store, got caught immediately at the door.

I cooperated with the undercover security man, and there was also a cop present. We walked to the front of the store to the surveillance room, and then everything went down.

The cop frisked me for anything, removed my phone and wallet from my jacket. I removed the flash drive for him when he was finished. I sat down, the Walmart security asked me for my identification, and my social(I told them I didn't know it).

They gave me a Asset Protection Recovery paper. The security guard told me I would be getting a letter in the mail within a three weeks, and yeah.

I didn't sign anything there, also the cop literally just stood there and did nothing other than frisk me.

What's going to happen next?

[flyingron]

You can count on Walmart's "lawyers" sending you and your parents and demand for restitution for the damages your deviant behavior causes them.

Chances are you'll receive a criminal citation for your theft. Write back if that happens.

[PandorasBox]

Since a cop was involved, you will likely get a criminal charge and a court date. I would suggest you and your parents get on the phone and set up a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer sooner rather than later. Ask about a First Time Offender Program.

Also, flash drives tend to be in some sturdy packaging, so I would assume you used a box cutter, knife, something to open the packaging? If so, tell the lawyer - because this can make the charge worse (showing you entered the store with the intent to steal).

As for the Civil Demand, since you opened the packaging and deemed it "unsaleable" it will be for a higher amount.

Next up: Get a job. If you are criminally charged, you/your parents are looking at a few thousand in legal fees, court costs, fines. And trust me, you will want a lawyer to get a Deferral/First Time Offender Program. I shoplifted over 5 years ago, it cost me many job ops, it cost me over $100K in come, took 5 years before I could file for Expungment.

[John_28]

If you want to buy cheap flash drives, public libraries sell them for low prices. In the future, check with your library.