Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Petty Theft

Yesterday I went shopping at my local Urban Outfitters in Seattle. I know that this is going to be difficult to believe but I grabbed two shirts (25 $ worth) intending to buy them but instead left them in my bag and forgot about them. After buying a 50 dollar pair of jeans I walked out of the store and the alarms went off. An employee searched my bag ( it was a permanent shopping bag) and found the shirts. He proceeded to process my information but did not call the police nor did he give me a citation. He said that the company would probably not do anything because the amount was so small but they may seek the price of them back. I am not a thief! But I understand what has happened because I work retail as well. What is the likelihood that I will have to go to court? Will I owe a lot of money? I am only a college student and I don't intentionally break laws. I am so scared! The law offices that represent the company could not answer my questions and I just want them to understand that I really am not a thief!! I want to be a lawyer myself one day and I don't want this ridiculous mistake to damage both my dignity and my reputation forever! Please help me any kind of answer would help immensely!


Asked on 4/01/08, 6:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: Petty Theft

I am sorry to hear about this misunderstanding. This is unlikely to go on your permanent record. However, to make things easier you should not talk about the case with anyone other than your attorney--particularly not the attorneys for the company. If charges are filed please contact me directly for further assistance.

At your service,

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Answered on 4/03/08, 4:48 pm


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