I got caught with a friend (both 18) shoplifting from wal-mart for about a lump sum of 30$ we got caught obviously and taken to the security office where the guy called the police and mall security. While waiting it was weird because ti being our first time we were unsure what the process was. The security officer said, "well it can be one of two things, one being your arrested if they find something else on your record, or two this is a caution for it is your first time." (caution meaning police can see it, but employers cant, and if we do anything this stupid again police can access that we had done it before.) later they took our pictures and then the police officer came, he asked why we did it, took our licenses and took down our information. Then turned to the security officer at walmart and said, "well i dont think doing a background check on the boys is needed, i believe them, but you can check our records and see them for yourself right?" and the security officer said "yes" Now we believe we don't have anytihng on our record, we didn't go to the station and we didn't sign anything (only thing we signed was that we couldn't go back there for a year) So my question is, was this a caution? And if so who can see it? And for other people this has happened to, what else did walmart do?

If Walmart didn't press charges (how long ago was this?) it's a warning and it's "probably" not visible except for an in-depth background check. Someone posted recently in a similar situation but that person got papers in the mail for a Court appearance some time later. Walmart also "usually" charges the shoplifters for Walmart's time and trouble, even if the merchandise is returned.

Thanks Judy, well this happened yesterday. I'm sure they will charge us and they did ban us from going back there for a year. But by reading many situations similar to mine many people didn't pay the penalty. I mean what we took individually was 15$ and we each had the same product so I do not think they can look at us as a pair but have to look at us individually (meaning the offense was below $25). So in other words, I know they will be harassing me to pay this charge, however the charge is a civil matter so me denying to pay it right away may or may not take me to court, and if I do go to court then I plead guilty and still pay the charged amount.

No, you won't be charged as a couple. You could be charged as co-conspirators if the store decides to take it in that direction.

All sorts of discussions about making restitution - some people do, some people don't.

If you do go to Court you COULD be fined PLUS be ordered to pay restitution. If you pay restitution they COULD decide not to go to Court, saving you the fine.

Difficult to know.

Well I just got back from the police station, thought I'd see what the damage is, and an officer there said it is a caution for it was our first time and only, police members can access that information. (Thank the good lord) but he was laughing at the way walmart is, he said they do this thing where they will mark up the product in question by a few hundred precent, so when you pay it, your paying for the security officers wages as well as hassle walmart may go through while dealing with the process. But Judy when you say "restitution" what does that mean exactly?