I am completely embarrassed and ashamed of this situation. I will not try to make an excuse and completely understand all the consequences of my actions.
I went to Target today with the intent of purchasing a movie that I had been looking for but when I got there, Target did not have the movie in stock so I wandered about the store looking at the clothes. I found a shirt that I liked which cost $12.99 on the tag but said $9.99 on the rack. I proceeded to continue walking around the store looking at other merchandise and I took the label off the shirt and took of it's hanger as well. I put the shirt in my bag and walked out the store.
I was in process of crossing the sliding glass doors when I was approached by two men who told me to cooperate as they had seen me place merchandise into my bag. The men took me into their office and called in a female witness. One of the men left the room to get the price tag I had taken off the shirt and I was left with the security guard, who was very nice and explained the process to me.
The other guy came back and he was very rude throughout the process (understandable, I know but totally disrespectful and unecessary). Both men asked me information, asked for my ID and looked into my bag for any other merchandise. At this point I had already taken the shirt out of my bag and placed in on the table.
He asked me so questions, some of which I refused to answer (pleading the 5th I suppose) and then he had me sign a document saying that I had stolen the shirt worth $12.99. I was informed that Target would be contacting me and perhaps charging me with the cost of shoplifting which might include additional costs other than the shirt I stole.
Before I left I told the guy that was being rude, "Listen, you don't need to treat me like crap. I already know what this looks like to you and to myself but you I don't need your attitude."
At that point I walked out but I am worried about these costs that they mentioned. What is the ballpark of the amount that Target can charge me?
And can a criminal case still be charged against me even though the cops were not called.
Ugh. I hate that I am in this situation but I hold myself completely responsbible.
Thanks for any help that you can give.
Sincerely,
Embarrassed and Ashamed in Los Angeles.

