Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I'm a minor, shoplifted at Walmart, and was told that if I call the number on a letter that was given to me then I will not be charged and have no court dates. I am not banned, no police were involved. What's the most that they will do to me?


Asked on 5/16/12, 7:45 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Theresa Hofmeister Theresa Hofmeister, Attorney At Law

If I were you, I wouldn't call any number on any letter (myself); I would have an attorney handle it. The DA's office has authority to decide whether to charge you, not the store exclusively. It's less likely you will be charged criminally if no report was taken. However, possibly a report could have been made, without your knowing about it.

Either way, your phone call and/or any statements you make in the phone call can be used against you as evidence of guilt. Don't call (yourself), show the letter and get advice from a local attorney and stay out of that store, regardless of if you were told you "can" go there, or not. Good luck!

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Answered on 5/16/12, 9:22 pm


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