Hi all,
Context as below (noting I was 100% compliant at all times):
1. How likely is it that Police will contact me after this occurence to be charged and sent for court hearing
2. Is there any general advice someone can give so I can prepare if its highly likely Police will followup on this?
3. If taken to court, how likely is it that I'll receive a criminal record?
4. Has anyone experienced something similar, and if so, what was the process/outcome?
Any advice would be appreciated. I understand and admit that this is unacceptable behaviour and will be obtaining help for my personal issues and behaviour.
Context as below (noting I was 100% compliant at all times):
- I shoplifted ~$90, exited Coles and was stopped around the corner by 3 people in plain clothing who identified themselves as Coles Security (I think. I was too shocked to listen carefully).
- No badges were flashed (to my recollection) and no police were involved or called later.
- We returned to Coles into a back room where they took my shopping bags to scan the total amount stolen. While waiting for the other 2 to scan the items, I asked the male of the process moving forward, which he advised:
- If the amount is <$50, they'll let me go and treat it as a warning
- If the amount is >$50, they'll report this to the Police and attach my receipt & CCTV footage where and Police will deal with the matter and I'll appear in court
- The 2 others returned and confirmed it was $93. The 1 male who waited with me advised me of the process again and said I could leave, and Police will contact me in ~2 weeks.
- I asked how will the police contact me and the male was quite vague. He advised that they 'could' arrive at my doorstep, call me, or even pull me over while I'm driving.
1. How likely is it that Police will contact me after this occurence to be charged and sent for court hearing
2. Is there any general advice someone can give so I can prepare if its highly likely Police will followup on this?
3. If taken to court, how likely is it that I'll receive a criminal record?
4. Has anyone experienced something similar, and if so, what was the process/outcome?
Any advice would be appreciated. I understand and admit that this is unacceptable behaviour and will be obtaining help for my personal issues and behaviour.