Legal questions about petty theft in california.?

They have security cameras that probably show her taking the headphones. Even though she gave them back, that does not change the fact that she took them and was heading out the door with them.

She's probably on a watch list with them, based on the info they got from the receipt and she may actually get a summons to appear in court about the incident. In any case, I wouldn't go back to that store if I were her.

Well, petty theft isn't very serious to begin with. You can be charged with PT by sampling candy that you were supposed to pay for by the 1/4 pound.

As far as the receipt goes, it entirely depends on whether she paid with cash or card or check. If she paid with cash, she's pretty free and clear, but if she paid with a card then they have her CC info and name on file.

Even though she released the headphones back to security, she can still be charged with attempted theft, a misdemeanor in CA.

As to whether or not anything will actually come of this situation entirely depends on Costco. If they want to pursue her, the can do that by reviewing surveillance footage, cameras that capture her car and license plate, the receipt if she paid with a card or check, it all depends on how much Costco wants to nab her.

Realistically I can't imagine them going through the hoops it takes to track her down since the item was of relatively low value, they might ban her instead or have her arrested if she shows up again, but ya never know, they may decide to pursue her over some headphones.

There isn't much she CAN do. Aside from turning herself in which criminals don't often do, the ball is in Costco's court. Regardless of how it turns out, she should take this as a lesson not to do something so stupid again. Risking your record and freedom, your future career(s), your reputation all in exchange for some headphones...doesn't seem worth it to me.

She can be charged with theft. She did take something with intent to steal it. It doesn't matter if she gave it back or if she had left the store. In addition, she will be levied a civil fine, which does not require any legal proceeding. That can be as high as $500, or more, depending on the state. She will also be banned from Costco, probably for a year. Maybe for life.

As for what she can do, be ready with an attorney if she is charged. If has a fine levied against her, she should pay it because not paying it will be a reason to inform the prosecutor and then she will have a criminal record.

She's not very smart.