How Does Shoplifting Affect Your Future

[may1221]

Yes, I got caught shoplifting at Wal-Mart. Dumb, I know, but desperate times calls for desperate measures. Lost my head for a minute, and got caught shoplifting items that were under $25 total. I was taken to a back room where the LP woman took my license, phone number, and SSN. I made sure to comply to everything she asked me, including if I had been caught stealing at Wal Mart before and I said no. She repeated the question and again, I said no. After she filled out the paperwork, she told me that since the items were under $25 that I would not be prosecuted, but if I was caught again, no matter the amount, I would be. Then she said I was free to go.

My questions are
1) Will this show up in a national background check for potential employers?
2) Will I receive a fine or letter in the mail? I've read some forums where people have been fined, but the LP woman did not say anything about any sort of letter in the mail.
3) What is the database that she entered me in? Is that exclusive to all Wal Marts or do they use a national database where other stores see that you shoplifted?

[cbg]

1.) Very likely not, which is a great pity. I really, really, really wish that every single time someone got caught shoplifting it was out there for employer to see. That appears to be the only thing that might actually get the attention of you lot who are determined to drive up the prices for everyone else - if your livelihood was affected. I am SICK of people getting on here looking for reassurance that your employer couldn't find out or you couldn't be fired or that no potential employers would know about it. The time to think about that was BEFORE you stole. I don't come here to make thieves feel better about themselves.

2.) Yes. There will be a civil demand. Thank goodness.

3.) I wasn't there. I don't know. But I TRULY hope it was a national database where other stores can see that you shoplfted.

[PandorasBox]

If you search your community and county resources much better.....you will likely find places like Gleaner's Food Bank, and other organizations that help supply basics like Toilet Paper.

May I also recommend your local Dept of Human Services Office? Your states unemployment offices?

[BrandoPB]

1.) Very likely not, which is a great pity. I really, really, really wish that every single time someone got caught shoplifting it was out there for employer to see. That appears to be the only thing that might actually get the attention of you lot who are determined to drive up the prices for everyone else - if your livelihood was affected. I am SICK of people getting on here looking for reassurance that your employer couldn't find out or you couldn't be fired or that no potential employers would know about it. The time to think about that was BEFORE you stole. I don't come here to make thieves feel better about themselves.

2.) Yes. There will be a civil demand. Thank goodness.

3.) I wasn't there. I don't know. But I TRULY hope it was a national database where other stores can see that you shoplfted.

Wow, not a believer in second chances, huh?

[cbg]

Wow, not a believer in taking responsibility for your own actions, huh?

[BrandoPB]

Wow, not a believer in taking responsibility for your own actions, huh?

Is having to pay a fine and possible jail time not taking responsibility?

[mmmagique]

What did you steal?

[cbg]

Is having to pay a fine and possible jail time not taking responsibility?

No, not really, because that's not something there's any choice over.

Now, acknowledging that choices have consequences and that sometimes those consequences will follow you around for a while - that's more what I had in mind.

[PandorasBox]

Oh....if you do get a record out of it, certain apartment buildings may turn you away.

You likely will end up in the National Retail Theft Database.....which potential retail employers can see.....