Can I get in trouble for shoplifting if I am outside the store and they have my license plate number?

beverly

It sounds as if the security agent was not completely certain that he had enough probable cause to detain you at the time and thus let you go. If they review any evidence they have (including internal security cameras, etc) and discover they do have enough evidence they can always make a report to the police department after the fact.

If they do file a report and they do have the license plate number, then it is possible for the police to track down the owner and go from there.

Remember, anyone can make a citizen's arrest - that is essentially what store security agents do when they detain people for shoplifting - and whether you are inside or outside the store has no bearing on that. Some stores DO have policies that prohibit their agents from apprehending suspects outside the store; some stores also have policies that they do not prosecute petty shoplifting unless it meets certain criterion. I wouldn't count on either of those, though, unless you are absolutely certain about the store in question. There are a great many stores that will prosecute ANY shoplifting no matter how trivial, and that DO allow their agents to pursue suspects; in my department's jurisdiction we WILL take anyone into custody that is handed over to us by a store security agent regardless of the dollar value of the theft. In fact, that question - 'how much did they steal' - is never even asked before sending out an officer. It goes into the report but it is NOT a factor in deciding if we're going through with the arrest.

Edit: In response to your additional information, the dollar amount being low is a good thing - they don't have alot of motivation to pursue the issue - but as I said, some stores will prosecute for ANY shoplifting no matter how trivial.

The fact that it was a 'regular' employee and not security is essentially irrelevant - after all, an employee is also a citizen and they can detain people for shoplifting as well. We've handled a few arrests in my city that involved non-security employees detaining shoplifters; in general, however, it's a good sign if they don't have regular security, because that means they probably don't have much of an organized policy regarding shoplifting.

Worst case scenario: You are in some fashion identified and located after the store decides it has enough information to prosecute. You get convicted of shoplifting, which goes on your record. As a first time offender this is a misdemeanor; once convicted of shoplifting, however, any future arrests for shoplifting are considered felonies (in California).

Likely scenario: You got lucky. The issue is dead.

Advice: Learn from your near miss and never steal again. Also avoid ever returning to that store.

Citicop

Yes, you can get in trouble.

They will trace the car to the owner, and do you think the owner will take the heat for your crime?

Nope, they will give you up.

richg67

Whether or not you DID do it is irrelevant to the question. Question is: Can I get caught.
Answer is: Yes

Question you MIGHT have asked is: Will I get caught?
Answer is: You already have. The guy confronted you.

Seems to me it wasn't a big deal or you'd already be done talking to the police.

If no police has confronted you on the same day I would not worry about it. Meanwhile get an alibi (google it) and REMEMBER. You have the right to remain silent. You do NOT (and should NOT) have to answer any questions. Keep telling who ever asks to talk to your lawyer. THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE THERE FOR.
The ONLY time you need to speak up is when the judge tells you to.
And if your folks get involved just say, "I'd rather not say anything 'cause I don't want you involved in this."

posting this here does not help your cause (future reference)

Cricket

Are you saying that you did shoplift?

Yes, you can get in trouble for shoplifting even if you're outside the store. If someone caught you stealing and can run after you, they will. If you were wrongfully accused, you have a right to an attorney or public defender. The jury will decide.

bkc99xx

Based on your question that indicates that you did steal something, or at least were in the process of attempting to, I would hope so. However, unless they do have some video evidence that points to you, you will probably not get charged. Guess you should keep on hoping that they didn't record anything on camera and hopefully, in the meantime, you will use this as a lesson to change your behavior before you do get caught red-handed and significantly damage your life.

THEAmericanPatriot

You're not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, are you.
I hope they DO prosecute you. Better get a 'good' lawyer...like AL SHARPTON!
So, you stole and think you'll get away with it?
They should do to you like they do to thieves in Saudi Arabia...cut a hand off!
THIEF!

T Stone

yes ..they will just look up your car , then the owner of the car then the owners driver license that the photo off the license and compare it to there video .. when they build the case ..They will have a warrant issued .Then they will arrest you.At any given time , traffic stop, home, job or if you go back in to the store you shop lifted from. They will catch you. You could be in the car with your mother or best friend when they haul you off to jail. When you least expect it . Your going to jail......soon.... o yeah being you got away from the store it is now a felony.. Not a misdemeanor shop lifting charge like it would have been if they had stop you from leaving the store. so it is now worth the time to build the case to send you to jail from 3 to 5 years .....

its shop lifting, the did not call the cops because the have more important things to do, and if the did the cops would laugh at her. (this is only if its small, if its something like $500 then the did call)

but either way, she knows who you are so do not go there again because the will force you to give everything you have taken

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