Napa, CA asked in Criminal Law for California

Q: If I was accused of stealing, can I still be charged a criminal offense even after paying the amount back?

I am a minor in California, I was fired from Target because there was an investigation placed on me that concluded that I stole $700 from the cash register and I admitted to it. I was told that if I pay the amount back, nothing else would happen, but I have heard that even after paying back the $700 I can still be pressed criminal charges by Target, I am very afraid of what will happen, I do not want to end up in jail.

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3 Lawyer Answers
Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: more info needed.

however, yes charges can be pressed in juv ct...........

fess up to your parents and have them take you to a criminal lawyer for a consultation.

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Did you ever hear them say in the movies: "You have the right to remain silent, anything that you say can and will be held against you....." Well, this applies to you, and when you are being asked about whether you committed a crime, it is better for you to keep your mouth shut and say something like "I want to speak with my parents." rather than ADMITTING YOU DID IT!!! The problem here is that Target does not represent the district attorney for the County, who is the one who decides what criminal charges to file or not to file. What you were "told" does not exist, unless you have it in writing. After you repay the money, Target can take it all to the police and you could be facing criminal charges. The crime is complete at the time it is committed; so the theft/ embezzlement was complete at the time you took the money illegally. Stealing is a crime, don't do it.

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Carol Elizabeth Long
Carol Elizabeth Long
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Fairfield, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Unfortunately, yes you can still be charged with a crime even if you paid the money back. However, juvenile crimes of this nature can often be handled informally either before being "charged" or even after being charged. If you have no prior record, it is unlikely you will serve time in juvenile hall. Of course it depends on factors such as your prior record, the county you are in, etc.

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