A friend and I were at Pathmark (in New Jersey) a few days ago and we shoplifted a bunch of makeup. We were caught just as we were about to leave the store, and we were taken into the back room and the security manager (I believe thats who she was)took down our information like our address, telephone number, and the IDs of whomever came to pick us up. When we asked if there would be any consequences that would follow up with this, she simply replied, “WELL, You girls should have thought of that BEFORE shoplifting!” Simply enough, she was very distraught at us and mean. We are both minors, have straight A’s and B’s, we are more or less at the top of our classes, and this scared us straight. I have been crying myself to sleep every day since the incident, and I’ve lost a lot of weight because I can’t bring myself to eat. Both of us are scared out of our wits in case a Court Date comes. We would rather have a giant fee to pay than have a court date. The thought shakes us to our very cores. After she took down my friend’s information, she told her father that “since they are minors, we cannot press charges” and I vaguely remember that she might have said that nothing will go onto our records. We are thankful for that. But we are still greatly, insurmountably worried about that court date. The amount that we TOTALED in the shoplifted goods were around 190$ (she insisted it was 200 until we glanced at the receipt she waved around, and then she finally corrected herself that it was indeed 190) we were so shocked that it had totaled up to that much. And, a few days ago, after consulting a few of our friends, we decided that we would call the Pathmark, and ask if we could speak with their manager. And then we would proceed to the pathmark (with her father as a guardian, since we are further no longer allowed in any pathmark branches by ourselves) and tell them how truly sorry we are, from the bottom of our hearts. And that we would not care if there would be a fine, but just as long as we can somehow not have a court date, or anything that would involve the law, it would be greatly helpful and appreciated. We do not know if it will help us, but we just could not wait around crying the whole day while we waited for such things to happen. I would appreciate it if you can tell us what the possibilities are of us receiving such Court Date after these said actions are taken? Do you think it will help our chances of not receiving the letter? Thank you so much in advance.
Dear Christina: If the police didn’t appear at the scene and you didn’t get a ticket or a notice to appear in court, then it’s unlikely that formal charges will be filed. You may receive a letter from the store requiring payment of what is called a “civil demand.” This is a fine that stores are authorized to collect in shoplifting cases. Pay it on time and the case will be closed. Don’t return to the store without a parent or guardian or you could be charged with trespass. Good luck.
[This is information only - not legal advice].

but, what if I don’t get offered “deferred prosecution” or “diversion.” ?? What might happen then?
and also, my parents seem to think I will get slamed hard for what I’ve done, and that I’ll get a lot of probation. I’m not sure they’ve herd of diversion. Should I tell them about this newly gained information?
Should I ask, when in court, about diversion?
THANK YOU.
Dear Jenna: If diversion isn’t available then you can either admit the shoplifting [plead guilty] or deny it [plead not guilty]. If you admit it then the judge will impose consequences that may include a period of probation – generally not more than a year. If you deny it then a trial will be set. If you’re found guilty then the penalty may be the same, probation with specific terms [work hours, a fine, counseling, etc.]. Discuss all of this with your parents since you’re a minor and want to rebuild their trust in you. Good luck.
[This is information only - not legal advice].

addition details;
I was informed that I will have to pay court fee’s by my parents and the letter we recieved about restitution also said that claries is entitled to 10x the dollar value of the items stolen. no less than $50, and no more than $200.
- I am once again, scared and confused! please, please help! thank you, so much.
Dear Jenna: You’re right about the civil penalty from the store being separate from the criminal action against you. Once you pay the $180 to the store, their case will be closed. Then when you go to court on the shoplifting charge, the process will be explained to you. Since this is your first offense, you’ll likely be offered what is called “deferred prosecution” or “diversion.” That means when you complete some community service, pay a fine to the court, attend a class or counseling, the case will be closed. You won’t have an official record that will affect future education or employment pursuits. If the store told you to not return, don’t. Otherwise they can charge you with trespassing. Good luck.
[This is information only - not legal advice].