Asked 4/6/2016 – Austin, TX

I have shoplifted from a local grocery store more than once, always under $10 like a donut or a salad. I stopped shoplifting because I know I am better than that and it is behind me. Tonight, I paid for something, but was still stopped while leaving. The employee said he knew my name because I have used my credit card there, and he knew i was a “frequent shoplifter” at the store. He said he called an officer, but since the officer did not show up quickly enough, he was issuing me a criminal trespass warning and I could not return. He knew my name from my credit card, but did not give me any paper work or ask for more information. Does this mean he will mail something to the address on my credit card? Will anything happen now? I really can’t afford for this to haunt me or have it return to my family.

Answer

Without going into too much property law, any place of business open to the public gives an invitation to people for them to come into their store. The criminal trespass warning gives you notice your invitation has been revoked and you cannot appear on their property. If you do appear, you are subject to arrest.