Shoplifting at Ulta, seeking counsel
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Shoplifting at Ulta, seeking counsel
My question involves criminal law for the state of California
I have a friend who was recently caught shoplifting at Ulta Beauty. She bought
an item and concealed items under her clothes. She walked out of the store
and an manager/employee, she’s not quite sure who it was that confronted
her. The manager/employee asked if she would like to pay for the item she has
stolen and concealed, she responded back saying ‘what’ pretending she
didn’t hear what the manager/employee said. The manager/employee stated
that they have her on camera concealing the stolen item and that this isn’t the
first time they’ve seen her do it. Manager/employee then told her that they
took a picture of her drivers license plate and said that she’s not welcomed at
this Ulta or any other Ulta anymore. They will be sending her picture and
license plate to nearby Ulta’s.
They let my friend go, she was not detained or taken to the back room or had
to sign any papers, and no police were called. Will she have to pay any civil
demands or go to court? Has a file or case been made about her? Will she be
prosecuted for this or charged? If she is charged how soon will she be
charged? What are the actions she needs to take? Will the police arrest her or
file a warrant? Will they show up at her work? Please help.
She has had no prior charges of shoplifting. The item that was stolen was
worth less than 50. The prior times she has stolen things the items were less
than 50 as well.
Asked on September 10, 2017 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Since the police were not called, no criminal charges have been filed yet.
Your friend will receive a letter from the store demanding payment of an amount considerably more than the value of the stolen items. The letter will explain everything. If she pays the amount demanded by the deadline set forth in the letter, that will end the matter. If she does not pay, criminal prosecution will be pursued.
As for a timeline, that depends on when the letter is sent, received and the deadline for payment, and if there is no payment it depends on how soon thereafter the store contacts the authorities and the authorities take appropriate action such as arrest, prosecution, etc.
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