What will happen if I got caught shoplifting but the police werent called so I wasn’t arrested?
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What will happen if I got caught shoplifting but the police werent called so I wasn’t arrested?
I got caught shoplifting a $28 item. They took down my information, I had to sign and they put my license information into the system. I am 19 years old and this is my first offense. I was told that I would get a letter in the mail in 3 weeks asking to pay the $28 and then I would get another letter in the mail asking for $50-$300. Do I pay either of these? If I don’t pay either, will I get arrested and sent to court? I am extremely nervous and don’t want my parents to find out. I want to get out of this and I especially don’t want this on my record.
Asked on July 17, 2016 under Criminal Law, Connecticut
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You will receive a letter from the store requiring you to pay for the item and an amount considerably more than the value of the item taken. The letter(s) will provide a deadline for payment.
If you pay the amount(s) requested by the deadline, that will end the matter.
If you fail to pay by the deadline, the case will proceed with criminal prosecution.
The letter(s) will explain all of this and you might be banned from the store.
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