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  1. #1

    Default Cashier Identified a Price Tag Switch, but Not Charged With Shoplifting

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

    I admit it. I've stolen quite a few times. Today when I went into a store, I brought a bag in to return. Before returning the bag, I went through the store and they had the same exact bag. I put their bag in a shopping bag, just like the one I was returning was in.L amd placed it in the bottom of the cart next to the one I was returning. I went to the register and returned the bag I had previously purchased, with their same exact bag still in the bottom of my cart. Once the return was completed, I walked out of the store with their bag in the bottom of the shopping cart and put it in my car. I came back in and shopped for a while, then made other returns and purchases. While shopping, I switched tags on a nightstand. I had previously purchased a blanket but brought the bag it came in with me and put a loose blanket in the bag. While checking out for the second time, I did returns first, including this blanket. The lady checking me out was a manager. She told me that in the future, I could leave returns at the front and be given a ticket. I told her I didn't realize, and she explained how people walk into the store and return things. I've done this. She fixed the price on the nightstand and I ended up not purchasing it. Now I'm super paranoid that they will look at video survellience and then call the cops and have me arrested. The bag was around $300. Is this possible for them to do? I want to go back to the store and explain that I had looked for a dupliacte of the bag, put the shopping bag around theirs so it wouldn't scratch the leather, and wasn't thinking about what I was doing and meant to exhange it for the one I returned to them and bring it back to purchase. Or should I just go to the store and return it? I think I have a problem and realize the severity. I have already contacted my doctor to request seeing a therapist for this problem. What should I do? Can they catch me from me making the purchases and returns with my credit card?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Regret and Paranoia

    Anything is possible. My recommendation:

    1. STOP STEALING.
    2. Stay out of the store(s) you previously stole from.
    3. If the store, the police, or the prosecutor contact you, decline to talk to them.
    4. If arrested or they otherwise insist, insist on having an attorney.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: Regret and Paranoia

    Amazing how many people regret what they've done after they realize a way they could potentially get caught...

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
    Posts
    272

    Default Re: Regret and Paranoia

    Quote Quoting TrailBunny88
    View Post
    I admit it. I've stolen quite a few times.
    Then you already know what to expect (or should know).

  5. #5

    Default Re: Regret and Paranoia

    I have never been caught. Yes, I know I need to stop. I've never really thought about it. Last night I realized that the sense of control and things going my way was part of the drive. I read on another thread that someone suggested the girl could have OCD. This is not an excuse and I am not psychiatrist, but that would make sense in my case too. I am disgusted with myself, as I should be. Have a therapy appointment on Friday. I want to bring back the bag I stole. Should I? Also, can they find out my information as to who I am and where I live since I used my credit card? How long do I have where I have to be paranoid about every time someone knocks on my door? Should I turn myself in?

    Someone asked on another thread:
    "Is it possible for a store to try to come after you once you've left the store and they have you on tape and know who you are. (Via you using your credit card) If this were to happen, generally how long does this take, and how are you informed first? I am trying to find out more about what can or may happen and in what way and what amount of time. I have heard that something like this could potentially take up to two years, but is correct or just in extreme cases? What makes a case extreme? (Would they go through all of this process if it's under an assumed dollar amount, and if so, what is that amount?) I guess my real question is like I asked before, how is a person informed and generally in what time frame."
    Any responses to those questions?

    I'm so scared. If they come after me and there isn't any evidence, will I go to jail? I would lose my job, my house, relationships, my kids.... I never thought about it like this. I'm so scared! I know I am an awful person for doing this. I have a hollow feeling in my chest. I don't know what to do! Should I call a lawyer now? Is there anything I can do by coming forward? Would they still arrest me? I've realized how precious my life is and am so thankful for what I do have. I was wrong, so, so wrong for doing this. I'm scared I will lose everything!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: Regret and Paranoia



    They have until the statute of limitations runs out to charge you, and yes, that is measurable in years.

    Don't forget to feed the drama llama.

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