Wal-Mart shoplifting in Virginia

[sorrysorrysorry]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia

Shoplifting in Wal-Mart in Virginia

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Hi,

I was caught shoplifting with a friend. I took $20 worth of trading cards and my friend stole a $12 watch. I have read that Wal-Mart will not prosecute if the value of the goods stolen is under $25, but the Loss Prevention officer mentioned that he could combine the values together in order to prosecute us, then he trailed off and was contemplating whether he should do that or not.

I am 18 and my friend is 17. My friends dad spoke with my parents (who I informed of what happened as soon as I came home) and said that Wal-Mart would not be pressing any charges for either of us. I called and tried to contact a store managed in order to schedule an apology in person, but I was told that they would call me back.

What will happen now? Will I receive one of the civil demand letters in the mail? Or is there any chance that they just completely let us go? Was it a good idea calling and asking to apologize? Will anything go on my criminal record?

I am so shaken right now, I know what I did was very wrong and it was on an impulse, I regret it immensely and I hope everything is okay. Both of my parents are very old and neither of them work so additional financial hardship would not be very good for us.

I wished I had apologized right then and there to the Loss Prevention officers as well as to the manager. I hope I didn't make a mistake in calling them.

 

[cracker]

Legally, I don't know the answer to your question, but I worked for Wal-Mart for a long time. Usually if they are going to prosecute they call the police then and there, but don't take that to heart. The 25 dollar policy is just that, a policy, and can be changed at the discretion of the asset protection manager. Unless things have changed in the past year, Wal-Mart does not charge "civil penalties".

 

[cyjeff]

You can count on a civil demand.

DO NOT CONTACT THE STORE AGAIN.

ANYTHING YOU SAY CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU.

If you called to apologize, you just admitted to criminal theft.

 

[The Occultist]

Do note that no matter what their policy says, they can still press charges against you no matter what the dollar value of stolen goods is.

Your civil demand, which you can definitely count on, could easily be a few hundred dollars. Each. Before you pay it, do make sure that you'll be getting some sort of signed release from them stating that they won't be pressing charges or holding you accountable for any more damages/demands.

 

[cracker]

Just a story, but it amuses me so much I have to share....
My sister was with a friend of hers that wanted to find a frame that would fit an incredibly large picture of her naked. Instead of measuring the picture, she took it in with her to Wal-Mart. She found a large frame that would fit and put the picture in the frame. Instead of paying the 12 dollars, like an idiot, she tried to walk out the door with it. Needless to say, she was caught. In being caught, the door greeter, managers, and customers saw her giant nude picture. Even though it was under 25 dollars, they still pressed shoplifting charges. When the police came, they also decided to charge her with lude and lecivious (sp?) behavior for bringing pornography into a family store. She did not get the civil demand, but that doesn't mean you won't. The police took her nude picture in for evidence.

 

[cyjeff]

Do note that no matter what their policy says, they can still press charges against you no matter what the dollar value of stolen goods is.

Your civil demand, which you can definitely count on, could easily be a few hundred dollars. Each. Before you pay it, do make sure that you'll be getting some sort of signed release from them stating that they won't be pressing charges or holding you accountable for any more damages/demands.

There is no reason for Walmart to give such a release.

They are not receiving anything that they are not entitled to, and they will not accept the civil demand with conditions.

Then, they will take the OP to court, win a judgement and increase the amount of money owed by court costs and legal fees. And would STILL be able to press criminal charges.

You cannot contracturally prevent criminal charges from being brought. That simply isn't possible.

 

[The Occultist]

There is no reason for Walmart to give such a release.

Standard procedure, actually.

 

[cyjeff]

Standard procedure, actually.

Are you saying it is a standard procedure for a civil contract to guarantee no criminal charges?

The release MAY say that it satisfies the total civil demand... I agree.

However, a contract may not prevent the reporting of criminal charges.