Asked 5/20/2016 – Austin, TX

I was caught shoplifting at Kohl’s. I was walking out of the store when they stopped me and took me back to the LP office where I have up the item in question (valued at $20 exactly). They asked for ID, which I didn’t give on me. So I wrote down my basic information (name, address, phone number & date of birth) like they asked me to. They took my photo and said I couldn’t come back to the store for 2 years and that I’d receive a letter in the mail. Then I was released. I didn’t sign any paperwork or anything like that and the police were not called. I’m wondering what is going to happen from here. I’m expecting a fine, but will this go on my record?

Answer

If the police were not involved, you have no criminal record. If you receive a call from the police, however, or a citation to appear in court, contact a local attorney. You WILL probably receive a letter from a law office telling you to pay $250, ignore it; it is a civil demand letter claiming Kohl’s has the right to sue you for damages, which they never do.