Will My Name Be Put in the Paper I'm So Worried That I'm Making Myself Sick

My question involves criminal law for the state of: PA

I am 19 years old and recently went grocery shopping and got caught shoplifting a pair of pants and a bottle of advil off the counter which totaled $26. I was walking to the door when the LP and another associate asked me to follow them to the back. I was so embarassed because it was in my local town where I knew people! I cooperated the whole time and answered any questions so I could get out of there fast. The LP said I'd be receiving a letter in the mail regarding my charges and when to appear in court. When will my letter arrive and what are my charges going to be? Also, it happened in Westmoreland county where I work also. Is it going to be in the paper?? and am I going to lose my job? I'm worrying myself to death over this and really need some legal advice.

None of your questions can be answered here.

How long it takes for any charges to be filed and presented to you is up to the local folks. I haven't checked but most states allow at least a year for misdemeanor charges to be filed. They could wait one day short of that period and then file charges if that is what they wanted to do so just wait until you receive notice.


as to it being in the paper? if your paper publishes a "police blotter" or some other sort of listing of police activities, expect to see it in there. If the newspaper picks it up as an actual story is up to them. In a small town, I could see it being published. In a big city it would likely be ignored.


whether you lose your job or not is entirely up to your employer.

Sorry but I can offer no consolation to assuage your fears. You are just going to have to wait and see what happens.

We cannot answer those questions. Potentially Yes and Yes. Likely, from what you have stated, No and No, unless you handle property or cash and your employer becomes aware of it.

A police blotter is likely. Most towns aren't so hard up to write articles unless you do something really flamboyant.

The Pittsburgh-Tribune (in your area) does publish a "police blotter." Who knows if they will pick it up or not. The way this works is the reported assigned to cover the beat where this took place goes to the police department and reviews the daily police reports and decides what to put in the paper.

Aside from the court date (and costs and fines, and the costs of any programs you may be placed in), the store will be sending a Civil Demand notice. Expect all of this to cost you $1000-$3000.