Employment and Petty Theft With No Charges Filed

[ElevenTwelve]

I was caught shoplifting in Virginia. The retailer took my info, I signed the paper admitting my crime, but I wasn't charged or arrested and there were no cops.
I'm 18 (great timing, yeah?) and it was my first offense. I've always been well-behaved and picked a really stupid way to act out; I've already felt some of the repercussions of this and I'm really worried about not being able to get a job.

I would like to know how (if at all) this is different from someone who WAS charged, how long it will be on my credit report, what I would answer on applications and if I can get it removed or something. I suspect I would need a lawyer, but I'm still curious.

I have been reading around in these forums and haven't been able to find information close enough to my situation. Thanks in advance for any help!

[Security Consultant]

If you were not charged there should be no issues. Except that some retailers report shoplifters to a nationwide data base that may be picked up by credit companies.

This would remain on a credit report for up to 7 years. If you were not convicted there is no need to put it on an employment application. Employers only ask about convictions.

[ElevenTwelve]

If you were not charged there should be no issues. Except that some retailers report shoplifters to a nationwide data base that may be picked up by credit companies.

This would remain on a credit report for up to 7 years. If you were not convicted there is no need to put it on an employment application. Employers only ask about convictions.

I am in a database, but that's reassuring. Thanks for responding.

[Security Consultant]

What database would that be?

[panther10758]

You missed two keywords in Security Consultants post one he even put in bold

Those two words were (some) and (may) now go reread his post

[ElevenTwelve]

What database would that be?

It was by Target and I'm pretty sure Best Buy uses the same one, I just don't remember the name.

You missed two keywords in Security Consultants post one he even put in bold

Those two words were (some) and (may) now go reread his post

I did notice those.

[Security Consultant]

If they do report shoplifters it's more that likely to the 'National Theft Database'. I just wondering how you know you're on it.

[ElevenTwelve]

If they do report shoplifters it's more that likely to the 'National Theft Database'. I just wondering how you know you're on it.

That's probably it! My apprehender told me I would be entered into 'a database' is how I know. I wasn't told which.
Does that entry eventually go away or not? (I'm guessing no...)

[panther10758]

Your guess is correct