Crime?

[wisco]

This thread: DQ Concerns

...jarred my memory on something I did a few years ago. I stopped at a gas station late one night to get something... can't for the life of me remember what.

Anyways, the place was open and I was the only customer, but there was no clerk in site. I remember ringing a bell and waiting for a few minutes but nobody ever came. I ended up leaving money on the counter and walking out with my "purchase".

I guess I'm wondering if that was even legal or not?

[BP348]

If the money you left was enough to pay for the iten then I would say no it wan't a crime.

[Creeker]

... But I'd bet the money just went into the clerks pocket these days, since he wouldn't have known what it was for and I'm a cynic when it comes right down to it ...

[retdetsgt]

You didn't commit a crime, but you could have a messy situation if the clerk did pocket the money, someone reported you leaving and the clerk denied they took the money themselves. Kind of far fetched, but it's not a good idea to do something like that. A receipt can come in handy.

I can't imagine a cop arresting you for it, but like I said, it could create a temporary hassle.

[wisco]

Yes it was enough money to cover the purchase. More than enough actually, as nobody could give me change.

I did think about the clerk pocketing the money but after I left. However there were security cameras recording me if push came to shove.

[Cat_Doc]

You did not possess the culpable mental state of mind or meet the elements of the crime to be charged. Don't worry about it.

[Chef_Au]

One of the points of proof for Theft here is Dishonesty & Intent to permanently deprive.

You've left the money, the dishonesty part goes out the window

[Creeker]

I did think about the clerk pocketing the money but after I left. However there were security cameras recording me if push came to shove.

In many years of reviewing security footage from convenience store video cameras, I've very seldom seen any that would conclusively convict anyone... if they actually worked. So you should be clear.