If you are caught by store security for shoplifting but not charges are filed, what are the possible future consequences?

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If you are caught by store security for shoplifting but not charges are filed, what are the possible future consequences?

My daughter was caught shop lifting. She bought $100 of groceries. She left $60 makeup in the cart. She then out of the store. She panicked when she went to get into the car. As she turned around security was behind her. She went back in the store with them. They did not call the police or press charges. She paid for the $60 in merchandise and a $150 fee. Security said because she never did this before they would jut put her name in the store database. They took her SSN and driver’s license. Will this show on a background check? And can she ever work in retail or for a bank? Her best friend passed away so she was not thinking and is so ashamed.

Asked on February 27, 2016 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

If no charges were filed and no police report made, then this is not in the public record, and it is very unlikely to come back to haunt your daughter: the store's internal database is not publically accessible or searchable. In that regards, it should be like this never happened. Your daughter would be well-advised to steer clear of that store (all branches of it, if it has more than one location) so as to not give them any reason to notice her and decide to report this to the police.


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