Just because you were not arrested at the store, does not mean you won’t be charged or that an arrest warrant won’t be served against you. It may take weeks or even months for the store owner to file charges against you. When they are ready to file charges, the store will present their evidence to the local police department. Next, the police will refer the case to a prosecutor. That prosecutor will work with the court to issue you a citation, summons, or complaint in instances of petty theft charges such as shoplifting. If it was a case of felony theft, however, you might receive an arrest warrant.