Asked 2/11/2016 – Houston, TX

I got caught shoplifting today at Walmart. The item was only $8. I’ve never been in trouble before, and it was a stupid decision but they brought me in the office and took down my drivers license number and ssn & he gave me a paper that talked about restitution. The item was returned in the original packaging. The packaging was untouched. Said if I pay the fees I should be okay, but never said anything about court or anything. The paper said they can charge me fees but receiving a fine in the mail doesn’t omit the chance of charges. He said i should get a letter in about 2 weeks.

Answer

This is not a conviction on your criminal record and you will not go to jail. At worst, you will be charged with a class c misdemeanor which is punishable by fine only. If you receive any notice from a COURT, contact a local criminal defense attorney. If you receive a letter from an attorney which states you should send $250, ignore the letter.