Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

My sister and I were stopped by loss prevention in a Southern California walmart. We had 4 dvds and a ipod adapter for a car. All amounting to 80. We didnt have our i.d.'s so they took down the information we told them. After they did this the LPO informed us he would be calling the police because we didnt have our identification. We waited for about a hour and he called his asst. manager to ask if he should continue to detain us till the cops arrive. The asst. manager ok'd this. We were detained another hour in which I began to question how long they were allowed to keep us for. After being held for two hours we were finally let go without being taken in by officers. My question is how long can they keep us for. And since they could not confirm out identities with valid california ids do we have any obligation to respond to future letters we may receive?


Asked on 12/18/11, 1:27 am

4 Answers from Attorneys
David M. Wallin Law Offices OF David M. Wallin

If you are referring to their standard civil demand letters, that is up to you and really has nothing to do with being held a couple of extra hours. The stores send those out as a matter of routine. You should be much more concerned about the criminal charge. Petty theft is anything but PETTY. Jobs are few and far between when you have a conviction for a crime of theft. That will stay on your record for LIFE. Get a good lawyer. I wish you well........ David Wallin

Read more
Answered on 12/18/11, 1:38 am
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Take a good look at your right hand. You are lucky you don't live in a Muslim country -- your hand would be GONE by now. Nothing left but a bloody stump. And here you are whining about having to sit in a chair for a couple of hours.

Read more
Answered on 12/18/11, 2:18 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

If they can find you, they will have you arrested. When that happens, if serious about hiring counsel to help in this, and if this is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me.

Read more
Answered on 12/19/11, 9:53 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in California