What do I write on job applications?

[helppleaze89]

HI. I shoplifted at Macy's when I was 15 years old. It was less than $100 dollars worth of stuff and I already paid for the bill. The security there said that since I was under 16, it wouldn't show up on my records, only on Macy's records and other big department stores. Is that true?? They said I wouldn't be able to get a job at any big department store, like target, mervyns, etc. Also, when I'm applying for jobs, it asks if you've committed a misdemeanor. Is this considered a misdemeanor? and will it show up on the background check?? PLEASE HELP, I want to apply for a job, but not sure what i should put on it.

[Litigator]

I think you have to go back to the court and find out what the disposition was. My guess is that this type of theft would be a misdemeanor. I do not know what state you are in but then you would have to see whether you could expunge your record if that has not occurred already. In most states, once the court enters an expungment order you can lawfully state on job applications that you were never convicted of the offense and it won't show up on a background check for most jobs. Those are the general rules--once you locate your disposition it may be worth your while to contact an expungment attorney in your state.

[Happy Trails]

After reading this post, I wonder if the police were even involved. It sounds like it was taken care of civilly between the store and Helppleaze89.

[helppleaze89]

I live in California. The police had nothing to do with it. So does that mean that it wont come up on my background check?? i mean, i was only 15. by the way, im 17 right now.

[turbowray]

I would think that since no police were involved, then there were no charges brought against you to be found in a back ground check. Someone will let me know if I am wrong.

[cdwjava]

Since you were not convicted of a crime, you do not generally have to disclose this (a law enforcement background would be an exception to this). In CA employers cannot ask about arrests - only convictions. Since you were neither arrested nor convicted (and juveniles do not get "convicted" anyway), this should never come up.


- Carl

[helppleaze89]

I was actually arrested though. but i think it was by Macy's security though. But thanks! so CA employers cant ask about arrests, only convictions. that helps a lot. thanks!

[cdwjava]

I was actually arrested though. but i think it was by Macy's security though. But thanks! so CA employers cant ask about arrests, only convictions. that helps a lot. thanks!

No, you were DETAINED by Macy's security ... at least so far as the law goes. An arrest is a legal status that would have required the justice system be involved.

And, no, most CA employers cannot ask about arrests or detentions.

- Carl

[TESSA Rogers]

I don't believe this will show on your criminal history report. You would have had to be arrested and gone in front of a judge. You can go to your local court house and pull a copy of your crimianal history report for just a few dollars. That way you'll know for sure and won't stress about this. Your record is probably clear.

[chuckycheese]

Carl's exactly right. If you weren't convicted of a misdemeanor, you"ve not been found guilty of a misdemeanor. It's as simple as that, so you should never mention it on a job application. Count yourself lucky.