First Time Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia

I was caught shoplifting for the first time yesterday in Virginia (where I live and I'm extremely scared right now and probably won't ever do it again). The people (not police) asked me what my name is, my age, and my home phone umber. The item that I shoplifted was under $200 and since that I am a minor, what are the consequences and what are the consequences if you live in Prince William County, VA? Will it affect my career later on in life? Would my school know? I also have a clean record, so would this be on my permanent record?

If they didn't call the police and you don't hear from the police in the next few weeks, you dodged a big bullet. There will be no permanent record on this. You may be a letter from the store's lawyers demanding compensation for the damages your activity cause them. You may have been entered in to the NRTD which may make it difficult to get a job in retail for the next seven years or so..

I was going to help you until you admitted that you would "probably" won't do it again.

Let us know what you decide.

They just reported it to the police, but I'm pretty sure I won't commit this crime again

Joshy, you just don't get it do you?

Right now, it's like this.

(1) You will have a Criminal Record that will make job hunting very difficult for many years. I don't know how many it takes in VA before you can file for expungment, but count on atleast 5 years of having a criminal record that you must disclose on job applications (and will show on criminal background checks). When you can file for expungment, there will more more legal fees (filing; lawyer to help).

You will be lucky to get a job at McD's with a criminal record for shoplifting.

You will likely be entered into the National Retail Theft Database also - which will make getting a retail job difficult, if not impossible.

(2) By the time you get done with court, you will be suffering one hell of a financial hit. We're talking $2000+. Trust me, you won't even think of shoplifting ever again.
You can expect: Court costs and fines; Civil Demand (this is separate from the criminal charge). You can expect to pay for a lawyer or public defender. And don't be surprised if you are ordered to complete probation; community service; anti-shoplifting class, a combination of all. And guess what - those are approximately $400+ each.

(3) The prosecutor and judge will take into consideration the value of what you stole - $200 is not a first time shoplifter. $200 is a First Time Getting Busted, Regular Shoplifter. And VA is notoriously tough on shoplifters.

PS...you can expect to have to report to the police station for fingerprinting and mugshot.

But it was under $200 (I think that's a misdemeanor) and would getting a military career would be difficult in this situation right now?

The military won't even consider you until your trial and sentence are completed. They Navy won't take you with the misdemeanor without a waiver (which they're not currently inclined to hand out). The other services are a little more lenient but get two convictions and you'll be getting in to the realm where nobody will take you. Furhter, some security related MOSs will be unavailable to you.

Right now, the military is being exceptionally choosy about whom they let in because, well, they can.

Like every other employer, they find themselves with 10 recruits for every available slot. You tell me why you, a person that "probably" won't steal again should go in front of someone with a squeaky clean record?

But it was only $200.

Kiddo, guess what? Shoplifters cost retailers BILLIONS of dollars per year. Then they pass that loss onto every other consumer by raising prices.


Also, with that "it was only $200" attitude - the retailer sees $200 of loss.

A potential employer (again, who has 10-25 applicants for a position; sometimes even as many as 100 applicants for a job), looks through all those applications. When he sees "Yes" next to "have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor" - your application goes into this nice thing called the trash can.

If the employer runs a background check you, they will see you were charged with shoplifting....and wonder if you will be stealing from them, too. Will you take money from the cash register? Will you shoplift merchandise? If you are a nurse, will you be going through an unconscious patients purse? If you're a plumber, will you be stealing from a home you working in? If you are Pharmacy Assistant, will you steal Vicondin to sell on the street? (Get the idea?)

Also, ask yourself this....if I stole $200 from your wallet, would you be inclined to shrug and say "well, it was only $200 she took from me....".

So I guess I'm pretty much screwed for the rest of my life