Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

what if i contact police for this case?

A couple days ago, I rushed into a chinese grocery store, bought some stuff and put on the belt, then i went to look for something else on the shelf, my cell rang, oh, my gosh, my kids's school meeting, i rushed back, and couldnt find the stuff i put on the belt, i asked cashier where were they, she told me just wait, and i waited and paid all the stuff she checked in, pushed my shopping cart out, just right out of the door, a mexican guy grabbed me and said i didnt pay another stuff. All of sudden, i realized that the extra stuff i got from last trip to the shelf. i totally forgot about it, i told him i am sorry, i should go back and pay, but all other employees came out and asked me to go to their office, i did. I told them I were truly sorry about it. They asked me to pay 10 times of original price and plus tax. Otherwise, they will call police. I dont want to waste time on this thing. I did pay. they asked my driver license and wrote it on a paper (It preprinted that I stole something from store, etc, i didnt have a chance to read it, they took it away). The office has no window, i almost fainted, hardly to breath i found myself a stool to sit on to keep myself not going to black out that time. After while, I felt I can breath


Asked on 2/14/07, 2:07 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: what if i contact police for this case?

Based upon what you said it sounds like you were the victim of extortion. Threatening to report someone to the police unless they pay money is usually illegal, even if the one being threatened is guilty of a crime.

The problem is that the store's illegal actions have no bearing on whether you broke the law. If the police and the D.A. believe you were a shoplifter they might prosecute you.

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Answered on 2/16/07, 8:38 pm


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