What is the worst that could happen if my friend shoplifted from Wal-Mart?

Question

Okay, I’ve got a serious question, which is exactly why I’m posting it on the internet.

The other day my cousin was in the process of shoplifting a flash drive, and when he was about to leave the Wal-Mart, the store manager confronted him and asked him to either pay for it, or return it. Somehow, he managed to talk his way out of it, (and keep the flash drive, but that’s not the point) but I’m afraid for him that he might get in trouble if he ever goes back into that store. I know Wal-mart has lots of cameras, and I don’t want him to go in there and get arrested or anything like that. So, here’s my question to the public: If he returns to Wal-mart ( and doesn’t shoplift, which I made him promise he won’t) what is the worst thing that could happen to him, and what can Wal-mart really do about it, since they already let him go? If anyone knows the store policies or has had any experience with this, that would be great to know, because I really don’t want him being sent to juvie or anything.

Answer 1

For flash drive...probably not much just call the cops to scare him a bit, but if they POSSIBLY put a no entry the police will come and arrest him for trespassing.

Answer 2

Well I would make him stand outside the front doors carrying a big sign  above his head yeah I shoplifted from here.I'm cool.Tell the kid to grow up.

Answer 3

They could ask him to leave the store, as they probably have 'disclaimer notices' around saying they have the right to refuse entry to anyone without giving a reason. Otherwise expect to be followed around the store closely and (if you've even breathed on a $0.25 pack of chewing gum), to be strip searched at the exit. You can't blame the shop, even Wal-Mart. We have Asda in the UK, I avoid them too!

I'm assuming he's a teenager? If so, has a chance to change his ways.

You could explain to him that any career he might have wanted, such as in banking would be forfeit, as you would no doubt be asked for details of any criminal convictions and that it will affect his later life. Ruining your life for a flash drive is plain stupid.

In the UK convictions are spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 after 10 years, so if it's a minor crime, you would probably be OK, especially if several years had passed.

However if you applied to work in certain Federal Agencies, they would have to do a full background check and they would look closely at ANY convictions, bar a speeding fine.

If your cousin was arrested, even for a misdemeanour, he will have a criminal record and therefore grounds for employers to reject his application.

Wal-Mart could prosecute for shoplifting, they may (again) have signs saying they prosecute all shoplifters. Your cousin would be summmoned to court and I would guess either get community service (I assuming a first offence) or a fine. It would also be a public hearing, so his identity would be known.

Is really NOT worth it......!

Answer 4

Nothing if he behaves himself. If he gets caught stealing again and it is the same manager Walmart will probably file charges against him for misdemeanor theft.

Answer 5

Wal-Mart is one of the worst stores to shoplift from.

If he is caught again, he will be criminally prosecuted. He will also face civil penalties from Wal-Mart.

Finally, he will be banned from Wal-Mart. If he returns, he will be arrested and charged with trespassing.

Answer 6

I'm afraid I have to give you the lateral version.

He deserves to be incarcerated if all he can do is steal a flash drive from down market shop called wal mart!

Bad taste, not enough enterprise, pride or glamour!!

Petty crime is so dull, don't you think??  which brings me to  my point. Whatever we do lats have a sense of pride, elegance, style and glamour to it ...

What you describe is so boring and dull that your cousin might tart up his life if he was to be banned from wal mart ....cor he might even get celeb status. Now we're talking.

Do you see what I mean?  Sorry i don't get your meaning of him being labelled juvie...he is isn't he?? minus any style!

Answer 7

The Death Penalty of course.

Answer 8

my younger sis shoplifted from walmart + mom caught her. you would not want what she got

Answer 9

asset protection and secret shoppers will follow him around the entire time hes there. walmart can press charges.

Answer 10

How did your friend talk his way out of it? He'll probably be confronted when he goes back to Walmart.