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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Posts
    4

    Default When Will You Receive a Civil Demand Letter

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida.

    My friend and I recently went through the self-checkout line at a Walmart Neighborhood Market without paying for $8 of goods. Before leaving the store, we were stopped by a Loss Prevention agent and were then taken to the manager's office. Walmart has a first time forgiveness policy, and the monetary amount of the goods was less that $25, so there was no police involvement. The manager and LP agent told us that they would not be contacting our parents, as we are minors at age 17. Instead, they told us that we should never do it again and they hoped we learned from this stupid mistake. They were understanding and told us that they understood that we just made a stupid mistake. We did not sign any papers. Again, they told us that our parents would not be contacted. They scanned both of our licenses and told us that were now in "Walmart's system". If we shoplifted again from Walmart, then they would take legal action. The LP agent asked if our information on our licenses was up to date, and we replied yes. After leaving the manager's office, we paid for our items and left without any additional interactions.

    I have a few questions. Will I receive a civil demand letter in the mail? They did not mention anything about the letter, and we did not sign any papers. The only thing that worries me is that the LP agent asked us if our addresses were up to date. Do you think that we will receive a letter? I am not worried about personally paying the amount; I am mostly worried that my parents will find out, and I just want this to be resolved. I feel so guilty and this was my first offense.

    Also, will I be registered in the National Theft Register Database? They just said I would be entered into Walmart's system. Will I ever be removed from Walmart's system? I don't want this to affect my future...but I would prefer to know the repercussions now rather than later. I really know nothing about this considering it was my first experience committing a crime or getting in trouble at all.

    Thank you for your time, and I appreciate any advice and help.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: When Will You Receive a Civil Demand Letter

    Hi, sorry, I accidentally submitted without getting any information. A friend and I went through the self-checkout line at Walmart Neighborhood Market without paying for $8 of goods. We were stopped by a Loss Prevention agent who then took us into the manager's office. Walmart has a first offense forgiveness policy. They told us that they weren't going to call our parents (I am a minor at 17), and that we shouldn't do it again. They took our licenses and registered us into Walmart's system, which would tell them if we shoplifted again, it would call for action. Because the goods were under $25 and it was our first time, the police were not even remotely involved. We did not have to sign any papers; we told the manager and the loss prevention agent that we were apologetic and that our actions were merely acts of stupidity. They were very understanding and the most "trouble" we got into was the reprimanding. We live in Florida.

    I have a few questions. Is it required for Walmart to send a Civil Demand Letter? The manager and LP agent didn't say anything about sending us anything and told us verbatim that they wouldn't tell our parents. Additionally, will I be registered into the National Theft Database? (Basically, is Walmart's system inherently universal, and therefore submitted into the database.) Do you think the issue has been resolved? Again, the manager and LP agent said nothing about a civil demand letter, we did not have to sign any papers, and they told us that they wouldn't call our parents. After leaving the office, we paid for the items that we originally hadn't paid for.

    I acted immaturely and if I could go back, I would. The stress that this has caused me, and the negative effects that I have put upon Walmart, are not worth it. Any answers would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: When Will You Receive a Civil Demand Letter

    Quote Quoting hokage
    View Post
    Will I receive a civil demand letter in the mail? They did not mention anything about the letter, and we did not sign any papers.
    The only person who can answer that question for you is the manager. Beyond that, you'll have to wait and see what happens.
    Quote Quoting hokage
    Also, will I be registered in the National Theft Register Database?
    You're a minor, so you will not be included.
    Quote Quoting hokage
    View Post
    Is it required for Walmart to send a Civil Demand Letter?
    No.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: When Will You Receive a Civil Demand Letter

    Thank you for help... This is just a matter of opinion, but do you think I should call the manager to see? Or would this be counterintuitive? The "not-knowing" part is what is affecting me.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: When Will You Receive a Civil Demand Letter

    I think that the less you bring yourself to the attention of the manager, the better off you'll be. Do you really want to go waving your arms around and putting ideas into his head?

    I'm so sorry it's uncomfortable for you to not know if you're going to have to suffer any consequences for your criminal act. Maybe next time you'll remember that it's a bad idea to steal, before you do it.

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