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Dinha · Nov 25, 2006, 05:42 PM

I'm 26 years old and I'm in Canada studying English. I was caughted shoplifting. The store's security then call the mall's security and the police.
The mall's security gave me a NOTICE PROHIBITING ENTRY and took a picture of me.
The police arrived and then they checked if I had a criminal record. After they took some informations about me (date of birth, address of the hotel I'm staying, school name.. ).
They let me go without having to pay anything... They said I was lucky this time.
I'm so confused... That was the silliest thing I've ever did in my life.
What is going to happen? Can they call my school? Is it going to be on my criminal records?
What about the notice I got from the security of the mall?
Thank you so much.
I really fell bad and learn the lesson.

RichardBondMan · Nov 25, 2006, 05:46 PM

From what you describe, it appears they will not permit you back in their store and will not pursue criminial charges against you. If this is correct, then I also assume no report will be made to any authorities. Since I am assumng so much, why not call the store, ask for a manager, explain that you do not understand the consequences and ask him or her to explain in detail the exact consequences of your mistake.

excon · Nov 25, 2006, 06:46 PM

Hello Dinha:

Who knows what's going to happen? They may press charges against you, and they may not. The only way to tell is wait. They won't call your school, and it's only going to be on your record if they pursue it, and that's not certain.

You were told NOT to be in the mall again. They have your picture. IF you get away with it this time, and you go back, you're tempting fate. DON'T GO BACK!

I also would not call the store. They're not your friends. You stole from them. They're not happy with you. They don't want you in their store again. Talking to them, and playing dumb, may sound like you're trying to rub their noses in it. Makes sense to me.

Sit tight and do NOTHING. If you get notice of charges being levied against you, call a LAWYER - nobody else.

excon

RichardBondMan · Nov 25, 2006, 06:57 PM

Thanks for the private message, I am glad you seem to agree/ understand that you need to understand exactly what store managements intentions are... you seemed to be confused about what the legal notice was that they gave you. I assume you are not perhaps not fluent in English/French and may not have fully understood what they told you. I see no harm by calling the store, they can't arrest you on the telephone ! And if you misunderstood and they are going to file charges, then best to be prepared and find legal counsel. Waiting for them to act won't do you any good. From what you first said it looks like they just don't want you back in the store and will perhaps arrest you for trespassing and / or pursue legal charges if you step on their property and are caught there.