Hello, I was caught a few days ago for shoplifting at a grocery store. I tried taking a monster energy drink. I know what I did was stupid and that there is no excuse for my stupidity. I was told by the undercover security which caught me, that I would get a letter in the mail for my court date, in civil court. The security guard took back the item which I had tried to steal, and took down all my information. The police arrived to the location soon after the incident. The police let me go saying that I had another chance with them and that I better not do it again. But the security guard still told me that I could not avoid court. I begged him if I could just pay the fine there, and get on with it, since I am only sixteen and cannot afford to get into trouble with my parents. I have two jobs and could easily pay for anything right there, but the security guard said no. Im just asking this question to see if anyone knows how I can get out of this situation without going to court, or my parents finding out. If did have to go to court, then my older brother or grandma can come with me. That is why I contacted the store where I had my problem, to see if I could change the address of where the mail gets sent to, and the manager said he will tell the "Retail Recovery Services INC" to call me back.

The court will mail a letter to your home, most likely mom and dad will want to know about a letter from the court.

Next sorry mom or dad has to go with you to court. It will go so much better if you tell them before they get the letter. Lying never made anything better. And you grandma should be ashamed of herself if she would allow the lie to your parents.

I think the security guard doesn't know what he's talking about. It sounds like the police officers decided not do anything. And if they don't file an arrest record the store would have to press it with the prosecutor.

So, essentially, you need to play a waiting game here. Until you are contacted by the police or the courts you have not been arrested and will not be prosecuted. You may still get a letter from the store about a "civil fine" which you will need to pay.