Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

caught shoplifting but not arrested

I'm 17 and I was caught shoplifting a small item, but the security who caught me didn't call the police. He typed up some information on the computer while I sat in a room and he printed it out and had me sign a couple papers (one was about trespassing I believe, I don't remember what the other was for) and took my social security number and address and they let me leave like 10 mins later. A couple days later I got a letter in the mail from them saying I had to pay a fine within 30 days and they wouldn't prosecute me. Do I have a criminal record now, even though I was never arrested and they didn't call the police? Is it possible for them to call the police after I left? This happened about 3 weeks ago and nothing else has happened since I got the letter. If I pay the fine am I home free?


Asked on 6/28/06, 3:20 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: caught shoplifting but not arrested

Since you admitted guilt, you will probably be prosecuted, and even if you aren't, you will probably be placed in a database of known thieves and this will keep you from getting a good job, ever. That's my best guess. In the future you should not make statements or sign pieces of paper, and you also should not ever steal anything again. If you are very lucky you won't be prosecuted, but Christmas only comes once a year.

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Answered on 6/28/06, 3:56 am


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