What will happen regading a retail fraud?
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What will happen regading a retail fraud?
I was caught shoplifting merchandise totaling $69.97. The merchandise was still in original packaging and undamaged in anyway. The police were not involved. The LP associate said something about a “civil” matter as opposed to criminal? I have a $200 fine to pay the company, and was told to expect a letter from the county court. After returning the merchandise, filling out a statement and getting my picture taken, I was free to go.The intent of the merchandise was to sell to some friends for money to provide diapers and other needs for my 4 month old son.
Asked on July 25, 2012 under Criminal Law, Michigan
Answers:
Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Anytime you are caught by Loss Prevention for shoplifting, you face two possible scenario's.The first is that the Store does not press criminal charges, but orders you to pay the $200.00 Civil Demand for the goods. The second is that they do press criminal retail fraud charges, in which you will either be arrested, and sent a misdemeanor criminal arraignment notification in the mail to appear in court. I would advise you not to pay the Civil Demand as most stores do not follow through with this anyway. However, if you are charged criminally, then you will want to contact a criminal defense attorney in your area to help protect your criminal record and keep it free of any retail fraud convictions.
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