Caught Shoplifting Makeup in Virginia

So I'm 19 years old and live in Virginia and about two weeks ago I made the stupid decision to steal a make-up product that was about $50 from a Sephora that's located inside a JcPennys. They caught me and took me to the back office and made me sign some papers, get some information and gave me a citation for court. I feel like an idiot for me stealing because it's obviously not worth it at all... This was my first time and I have absolutely nothing on my record. I cooperated with them and they also had a police officer come in. I'm now banned from the mall and will be having to go to court. My questions are.....1. What should I all be expecting in the mail? I already received a civil demand letter (i think) that says I need to pay $84.00.. is there anything else supposed to be coming in the mail? I'm trying to stay on top of it so my parents won't see my mail lol. 2. What should I expect at court? 3. Will this be on my record forever and can I get it removed? 4. Should I plea guilty or not guilty? I can not afford a lawyer, but do have enough money to pay off the court fees. 5. What all should I be expecting to pay for and how much do you think it will all be? I'm scared to go to court because I never have been there and don't know what to say or expect. I plan not to tell my parents because I don't want them apart of it and to break their hearts. I got myself into this mess and am going to get myself out of it. Please give me advice and answer my questions! Thank you

Virginia is tough on shoplifting.

You will have the Civil Demand. You will have the court date.

Your parents are going to eventually find out. Basically, your criminal conviction is going to ensure you live in Mom and Dads home for many years, since it will severely limit your job options.

You need a lawyer, you want to get a Diversion Program or Plea Bargain to a lesser charge. Some counties in VA offer those, some don't. You really need a lawyer near the court your case will be heard in to work the case for you. A consultation is free.....

You and almost everyone else in court will be confused about what happens and what to expect. Your initial appearance is only for the charges to be read and for you to enter a plea. The judge or magistrate will explain everything in detail. I've never been in a court yet where the judge or magistrate didn't give an extended explanation of what each plea means and the ramifications of pleading each. Pay attention! They will answer most of the questions that you've asked here.

Most people here are going to tell you to get a lawyer. It's your right to do so, but 1) you admit you actually ARE guilty and 2) rest assured, the store has a LOT of evidence that you are guilty, including video evidence, statements you made verbally and in writing, and witnesses. So your chances of "beating this" are probably around .5-1%. A good lawyer CAN, however, broker the best deal that the prosecution is willing to go for, such as pleading to a lesser charge (like "attempted theft,") probation instead of jail, etc. With all that said, you can choose whether to get a lawyer. You may or may not qualify for a court appointed one.

Choose not to tell your parents if you want, but if the judge throws you in jail for 2 days when you are convicted you might have to make up a story about unexpectedly staying overnight at a friend's house.

$84 is very cheap as a civil demand. Around here the minimum is $200.

Thank you for your feedback. Going to jail isnt what I'm really concerned about. I know I will most likely not be going because It's my first time for getting in trouble with anything. I was cooperative and gave back the item right away and they said I wasnt going to jail for it. Most likely I'll be getting a fine up to $500 is what i'm guessing.. which is ok, I can pay for it. I just don't want this silly careless mistake to be on my permanent record so it's impossible to get jobs in the future. I know I can definitely not afford a lawyer... unless there's a way to get a lawyer $75 and cheaper! lol. which is not likely. Should I ask for a public defender? I'm wondering if I can get it reduced to an infraction or trespassing. As for the civil demand, $84 does seem cheap.. that's why I wasnt sure if that was the actual civil demand or not. All the letter said was "this is a letter on jcpennys behalf demanding you pay $84 dollars.. if you dont we can press charges" or something in that nature. Is that the civil demand??? Sorry, I'm not educated in this stuff at all if you havent noticed haha

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also can you please explain what the purpose of a civil demand is

A Public Defender is an option only when you can prove you are destitute, not when you just simply don't want to pay for a lawyer.

Aside from fines, there are also court costs. If you get probation or diversion program, there are costs for those too.

You want to get the charge reduced....hire a lawyer. You are gonna need one. It won't be an infraction or trespassing, it will still be a misdemeanor.

Or you can go in for all the court dates, go to trial, say what a silly careless mistake it was and you plead not guilty and let it go to trial......then you can eventually testify to the judge what a silly careless mistake it was and you don't deserve to be punished.

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The purpose of the Civil Demand is this:
Shoplifters cost money.

- The cost of video surveillance and all the equipment. What? You didn't know TV's and cameras and DVD's were not free?
- The wages and benefits of the loss prevention employees. And insurance in case they get hurt on the job.
- The cost of the store manager to take time away from his job to sign off on the LP officers cases.
- The cost of shoplifters who got away.
- That room that the LP took you too....if they were not catching shoplifters, that room could be used as space for more merchandise.

By the way, there's no guarantee that the prosecutor or store will agree to reduce the charges. Shoplifting trials can take as little as 20 minutes, and with good evidence, they often have no incentive to reduce the charges for you. Your options might be "plead guilty to theft" or "get convicted of theft at trial." So often the advice around here to "get a lawyer to get the charges reduced" is a bit like a mirage in the desert. The prospect doesn't always exist, although YMMV.

I remember having a pre-trial meeting with a prosecutor once right after the defendant's lawyer had asked "if it could just be dismissed." The prosecutor and I had one hell of a laugh with that one. WHY in the world would the prosecutor just "dismiss" it? The subject ended up just pleading guilty to theft with no reduction of charge.

Oh and don't be so sure you won't go to jail. You can almost be sure you're not going for any length of time, but there are multiple courts around here that will definitely send shoplifters to jail for at least 24 hours, even on a first offense with absolutely no criminal record.

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Quoting KaitlynRiggs

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Most likely I'll be getting a fine up to $500 is what i'm guessing.. which is ok, I can pay for it. I just don't want this silly careless mistake to be on my permanent record so it's impossible to get jobs in the future.

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Think about this statement you made. Think long and hard. Keep thinking until you understand just how dumb this makes you sound. Now because you made this statement, I'm assuming you won't figure this out. So i'll explain it to you. If you can afford the $500 fine, it would have made more economic sense for you to PURCHASE the $50 item. Keep thinking about this...

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Quoting PADriver13

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Think about this statement you made. Think long and hard. Keep thinking until you understand just how dumb this makes you sound.

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Yep. Also, it's not a "mistake." You didn't accidentally eat meat on a Friday in lent while being Catholic, carelessly forgetting what time of year it was. You chose to steal and did it. It was done on purpose.

Relax... I know I did it on purpose, you don't need to tell me that. I know it would've made more sense for me to buy the item... obviously. I'm not asking for a lecture here or to be told I sound stupid.... I'm aware of what I did and how dumb it was. And it was a "mistake", I was going through a rough time and it was out of my nature, I wasnt thinking of the consequences of getting caught and I regret doing it. We are human, we all make mistakes and learn from them. I'm willing to face the consequences and I have learned my lesson, I'm just wondering if I can simply get it reduced in some way and some advice because I've never been in this situation before and don't know what to expect. I'm only 19 and not an expert... that's why I'm on here asking these questions and may sound stupid! Geez. BTW, again, i'm not an expert but I know for a fact it's not likely i'm going to jail. I havent heard of a single person going to jail for their first offence of shoplifting EVER. Why would they throw someone that stole something under 50 bucks in jail with a bunch of murderers, rapists, etc.

The fact that you are 19 and cannot yet distinguish between a "mistake" and a "poor decision" doesn't bode well for you. In the U.S. most kids learn that stealing is not acceptable somewhere around 8 or 9 years of age.

Go to court.

plead guilty. Tell the judge it was a simple silly little mistake.....

I know it was a poor decision. I understand that.... I'm not going to explain myself again. I don't need your lecture.

See, you had an attitude that showed in your posts....you can't come asking people for help and copping an attitude.

The only reason it may seem like I have an attitude is because I'm receiving lectures and being told I sound stupid when really I just want simple answers. I expect to be answered respectfully and professionally, not to be shut down over my choice of words. Obviously this site isn't the place for me to be asking for help

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Although I will keep your previous advice in mind. Thanks

We answer respectfully when we are treated with respect. See my original answer.

PS: I've been in your shoes too. Scared, afraid. I came here and asked questions. I ended up volunteering my time. Yes, honey, none of us here get paid to give you advice....we do it on our own time.

Wasnt really talking about you "honey" ..more so of the other guy. I'm done here. Thanks again for volunteering your time.

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Quoting KaitlynRiggs

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I know it was a poor decision. I understand that.... I'm not going to explain myself again. I don't need your lecture.

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When you ask volunteers to provide you with legal information for free, you don't get to choose if you get lectures or not. They come with the free legal information.

Once you made the decision to steal, the question of whether or not that "silly little mistake" would create a permanent criminal record or make it difficult for you to get a job was no longer your choice. It is now up to others whether or not either, or both, of those consequences will occur and you do not get a say in the matter.

Your attitude will speak volumes in court.

And again regarding your "silly little mistake" - did you realize shoplifters costs retailers BILLIONS of dollars per year? That gets passed along to consumers who did not steal?

Atleast I was woman enough to acknowledge I messed up and learn from it.

How many times are you going to quote me on "silly little mistake" .... you really got butthurt over me saying that huh??? Lol. I know better than to give attitude in court, I know how to be respectful. And I'm not sure what your point is on saying how you were "woman" enough to admit your mistake when I'm pretty sure I already have stated the fact I messed up in my question to begin with.. and multiple other times. I stole stupid lotion, not murder someone.

I'll answer your question. Despite my inclination to turn your disrespectful butt over my knee and delivering a well-needed lesson that your parents should have taught you long ago,

No. You cannot get it reduced.

It is possible that a lawyer might be able to get it reduced for you. But you, yourself, acting alone, do not have a prayer of getting it reduced.

Thank you I respect that answer.

"I stole stupid lotion, not murder someone"

Yes, that is what I said. Thank you for repeating it

Look KaitlynRiggs (hope that isn't your real name, btw). Your attitude stinks. Your few posts on this website show who you are as a person and what you believe. You have been given advice, by people who know what they speak of. You would be will served following some of this advice. You tried to rationalize your actions in your first post. It was a mistake, you can afford the fine, blah blah. You say you know how to be respectful in Court, yet you have been nothing but disrespectful on this forum.

I have been personally stolen from by others. I had 2 cars broken into. I don't put up with thieves and I don't tolerate their bs excuses when they get caught. Thieves are only sorry and apologetic when they are caught. Before that, they all think the same thing - I'm too sneaky, too creative, too whatever to get caught. And then, sounding like a true brat, you proclaim that you aren't worried about a civil demand because you can afford to pay it. Agree or disagree with me, but you go to a Court spouting this crap off and the judge will be laughing at you too.

I don't know why everyone feels shoplifting is some inconsequential crime (yes, you think that based on your stupid lotion, not murdering someone statement) that should result in a wrist slapping. You feel shoplifting is "minor". It's illegal. Be lucky we have advanced as a society and that your hands wont be cut off. Good luck and lose the attitude when speaking to and explaining your situation to anyone else involved.

Let me explain something you, little girl.

Shoplifting costs retailers BILLIONS of dollars per year.

Here's some reading for you.

http://crimeprevention.rutgers.edu/c...ting/costs.htm
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101193427#.

Did you know that the average citizen pays $400 a year in increased prices caused by theft?

Educate yourself so you know it wasn't just a stupid lotion, but in fact, is a serious crime.

As long as that shoplifting charge is on your record, you will be lucky to get a McJob, but you sure won't be operating the cash register - no one wants a thief handling the money. Retailers sure as hell don't want thieves for employees. You won't be working in a bank. You won't be working in a pharmacy. You won't even be working as a nurse - no one wants thieves near patients. You won't even have a job in a Nursing Home for the same reason. Anything that involves a high level of trust, money, valuables - forget it, you won't be working it.

First of all, no that is not my real name. I'm not that much of an idiot lol. And yes I'm aware it costs billions blah blah blahh. But you know what? People are going to keep shoplifting regardless. every single day. And it's going to keep costing billions.. even if I didnt steal that "stupid lotion." I know that still doesnt make it right, but I already know that information, I know how serious and wrong it is. You don't need to tell me 100+ times and give me useless articles. My major has absolutely nothing to do with handling money, nursing or anything you have mentioned so I am not concerned what so ever. I'm obviously never going to shoplift again so I don't get in this mess again. And I do know how to be respectful in court and how to act. I don't care with you people because your advice sucks honestly and some what useless.. I don't know who the hell you are. And for the record, I actually ended up getting a lawyer and am actually getting REAL helpful, advice and I'm confident this won't make a big dent in my future. BTW, don't tell me i'm being disrespectful when you're the one calling me names like "brat" ... seriously? Grow up. The only reason I can afford that civil demand is through a friend lending me money.. Go give your bullshit advice somewhere else.

You really think even with a College Degree that you will get a job with a Criminal Record?

Have you even seen a job application?

Have you ever been convicted of Misdeameanor? Did you know that in Virginia, a Criminal Conviction stays on your record FOR LIFE?

Do you know that record can affect more than jobs? It can affect your admission into college (or getting kicked out of college). It can affect even the simple thing of renting an apartment. (Who want a thief in the apartment complex?)

One parting remark for you: Go look for your advice elsewhere, you snotty little brat. And I sure hope you have that attitude with your lawyer.

Are you not aware of what expunging/sealing a record is???? Are you not aware of what a Diversion Program is?? I have plenty of different possibilities of where this charge might go, and it's not simply going to be on my record for life and simply have no chance of getting a job. Colleges usually don't care about little petty crimes like that, I know people with awful records with petty theft and DUI's and still are at a good school, they just want your money. don't try to scare me lol It isnt working. It's not the end of the world... Life works it's way out, everything usually ends up ok in the end. Sorry that I have some hope and am confident in myself?? Your advice is negative and useless. You're just trying to scare me and other people as i've seen on different forums. Don't bother typing up another shitty response because it's not worth my time.

Did I mention to you how it was a bitch to find a job until I was eligible for Expungment? And...by the way...I did the whole process myself, represented myself in court? So basically, the only income I had was Independent Contractor positions, but still nowhere near what I earned at a job. So I basically lost $100K in income because of shoplifting one time.

Again, a Criminal Conviction in Virginia is for life....unless you get a pardon.

And yes, colleges care. Some will toss you out.

Yestereday afternoon:

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Quoting KaitlynRiggs

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I'm done here.

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Apparently you are not only a thief, but also a liar.

???????? You're irrelevant.

He had a point. You did say last night that you were done here.

So move along little brat, go away.....

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Quoting KaitlynRiggs

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I don't care with you people because your advice sucks honestly and some what useless.. I don't know who the hell you are. And for the record, I actually ended up getting a lawyer and am actually getting REAL helpful, advice and I'm confident this won't make a big dent in my future. BTW, don't tell me i'm being disrespectful when you're the one calling me names like "brat" ... seriously? Grow up. The only reason I can afford that civil demand is through a friend lending me money.. Go give your bullshit advice somewhere else.

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Quoting harrylime

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Yestereday afternoon:



Apparently you are not only a thief, but also a liar.

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I don't care about what you think about me, but hey don't say that about me!

Perhaps if she wishes on the "this is no big deal" star enough times, it will eventually come true.

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Quoting KaitlynRiggs

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People are going to keep shoplifting regardless. every single day. And it's going to keep costing billions.. even if I didnt steal that "stupid lotion."

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So I am going to go murder, because hey, what's one more murder in the world right? Justifying your actions you claim to be sorry for by saying everyone else is doing it, I bet your parents are oh so proud.

That's not at all what I was trying to insinuate. Stop trying to make me look worse than I really am. And yeah I said I'm done so stop commenting and making rude remarks. I'm not going to let you keep talking shit and just take it. I'll be the last person to have a say in something.. I created this forum.

No, you created this thread, and the moderator of this forum can shut this thread down at any point to prevent you from having the last word if they so felt inclined. You are not in charge of everything, as much as you may think.

Btw, PandoraBox.... you're probably a fat ugly **** who's single and just sits at your computer all day on this site bc you're always so quick to respond and it's always stupid negative shit. Get a life

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Quoting KaitlynRiggs

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That's not at all what I was trying to insinuate. Stop trying to make me look worse than I really am. And yeah I said I'm done so stop commenting and making rude remarks. I'm not going to let you keep talking shit and just take it. I'll be the last person to have a say in something.. I created this forum.

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Oh my. Good luck in Court.

Nah, I wouldve done it when I said I was done but I just honestly dont even know how to close this thread. How??? lol

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Lol why do you keep saying "Good Luck in court" ... because I'm smart mouthing you and you assume i'll be that way towards the judge to??? Lol you're wrong.

You are not smart mouthing, you are insulting, and it started when the advice wasn't favorable. Considering the stance your state takes on this crime, court might not go in your favor, and history will repeat itself. Good luck in court.

Thanks. Bye