Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Hi, I'm wondering whether or not I would be in the retail theft database. A long time ago when I was 18, my friend went into a Safeway to grab a pack of beer and run. I was what you could call the getaway driver, and being young and stupid at the time, I didn't realize that the security cameras would easily pick up my plates. When my friend came out he was being chased and was unable to get into my car so I pulled off with no beer and he got away with it.

The cops got my number and called me to come back to the store. I came back with no beer as I didn't have it and never had it in my car. They questioned my story (which was bs) and pushed me to give up my friend, but I kept quiet and stuck to my story. The police didn't believe it, but I don't think they had any proof to get me convicted because after questioning me they let me go without taking me down to the station. I'm not sure whether they let me go because they had no proof against me, or if they were being merciful and didn't want to bother pursuing the case.

My question is: Am I in the retail theft database? I wasn't the one who stole the beer and I never actually touched it. Would I be on this list JUST for having the intent to steal the beer? And since the cops didn't take me into the station does that mean that I'm not on the list?

-Thanks for your time.


Asked on 9/09/10, 3:45 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

I've never heard of a "retail theft database." If there is such a thing, it is something maintained by private retailers, and is not accessible by attorneys.

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Answered on 9/14/10, 5:07 pm


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