Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Two friends of mine were recently caught shoplifting at walmart in ohio. They were stopped by security, escorted to the loss department, had their bags emptied. They were asked for address, social and phone. The items were not totaled, nothing was signed by either of them, and they were given no copies or paperwork except one sheet where it said to call a 1-800 number in about a week. The officer then proceeded to state that she was going to file with the courts. They were not arressted and they were allowed to walk out after this. Is this proper procedure, what should I expect next?


Asked on 9/25/10, 11:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Timothy Hess T. Hess & Associates, LLC

Under Ohio law, a store can come after you civilly for money damages due to the theft. It can end up on your credit report if it is not paid.It's also possible for the store to make a criminal complaint against you for theft that you could receive later.

Read more
Answered on 11/20/10, 1:19 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Ohio