Legal issues such as this differ greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, nation by nation. Not all countries treat such crimes the same and different nations allow commercial entities such as the store you describe to treat offenses independently at times. You would need to indicate where the shoplifting took place in order to get specific feedback that was appropriate for that place. Otherwise, answers might be inaccurate or wrong.

Probably not but don't do that anymore.

If it was me, I would appriciate this action over having a hand cut off or having a perminate record on my file. I think the store is being kind.

I'd wait to see what this "fine" is that's coming from the store... it may include notification to pay the fine and declare guilt, or to go to court... either may include notification to police... you'll have to wait and see, unfortunately...

to add some more details: not intended shoplifting, forgot to pay item i put in the stroller, baby screaming at cashier got me distracted, it was safeway in bc, canada. was so shocked and scared and gave the info, didn't want police to come, thanks for any help

i also forgot to mention i didn't sign anything

I don't know if it's you or someone you know or if you're making up the story. Whatever the store management decides to do, they're going to do it. Here's what happens when you get caught or whether you get away with it: People think to themselves: "Gee is that all that person thinks he/she is worth?" The fact you got caught stealing told that undercover security guard, the store's employees, management and possibly the court and everyone in the court who will be there when and if you have a court date, YOU ARE ONLY worth that lousy $7. It doesn't say too much about you. Oh yeah - AND everyone reading your Q might think that way too. Thinking about it now, was it worth it? Personally, I KNOW you're worth more than $7. If you went to work for a day and worked for minimum wage, you would earn more than $7. If you babysat for 3 hours at $3 per hour, you would earn more than $7, wouldn't you? Yep! Next time - if there is a next time - and I hope there isn't, maybe you'll think about my answer to your Q. Personally, it doesn' make any difference to me. Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it! VTY, Ron Berue Yes, that is my real last name! Sources: Because you asked.

well, the fact that you went home doesn't prevent the criminal process from operating -- the guard/witness would still have to go in front of a grand jury, etc.

That depends upon the statute of limitations in your state. Most charges ( except murder ) drop off after a set number of years. Until that particular statute of limitations runs out, they can still press charges.

Lets see............ You were caught shoplifting, shame on you. The store security bans you from the store. The police are not called. no report made. no arrest. Since the store took no "official" police action at the time of the incident, the "fine" is just smoke on the store's part. Remember this, if the police are not called and you are not arrested, you have no criminal record. What you did was a crime. What the store is doing is just a smokescreen to protect itself, by giving you an illegal warning of payment and court. No police. no report. means no arrest and no record. I hope you have learned a lesson.