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Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island

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  • 02-03-2007, 02:11 PM
    newgal
    Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Rhode Island

    I was charged with shoplifting (3 items - less than $10) under R.I.G.L. 11-41-20 Statute for RI -atleast I believe this was the statute. I regretfully have to say that this is my first and only time and the intention was not to steal but forgot to pay for the items or mention that I had them to the cashier as I already had grocery bags with purchased items.

    I was told that I am being banned permanently from entering the store and if I have any questions or want to request permission to enter the store again -to contact headquarters after 6 months. They wrote the prices/items that I had in my possesion on a doc., asked me to sign two docs and was told that I would be trespassing if I enter their store or any of the chain stores again. I did not want to sign any docs/ neither accept the accusation but had no choice as I couldn't talk to anyone. They threated to bring in a cop if I did not give my DL & had to provide my SSN.

    I believe, because of the amount involved (<10) this is considered a 'misdemeanor petty theft' and I understand I would have to pay fines which is ok with me.

    Concerns: will this be captured in my background check for employment and if so for how long will this be on my record - forever??; will this only be in RI or follow me to any US states that I move for FT employment? can anything be done?; will i have to appear in court?; will this charge/incident be filed by the company with a National database of some sort? can this be pardoned/ taken off my record? any info. that you can provide? I intend to talk to a lawyer but any advice provided will be immensely appreciated as I am a single adult female looking for FT employment and hopefully be married and lead a normal life!! :(
  • 02-03-2007, 02:21 PM
    seniorjudge
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Q: will this be captured in my background check for employment and if so for how long will this be on my record - forever??; will this only be in RI or follow me to any US states that I move for FT employment? can anything be done?; will i have to appear in court?; will this charge/incident be filed by the company with a National database of some sort? can this be pardoned/ taken off my record? any info. that you can provide? I intend to talk to a lawyer but any advice provided will be immensely appreciated as I am a single adult female looking for FT employment and hopefully be married and lead a normal life!!

    A: If a criminal charge is filed against you and you plead guilty or are found guilty, it will be on your record forever everywhere.
  • 02-03-2007, 03:05 PM
    newgal
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Thank you for replying.

    Q. Can this be filed as a 'criminal charge'? as my understanding - after reading some literature is: anything < $ 10 can/ is considered 'misdeamnor petty theft'? what is the timeframe that I will know by when the criminal charge against me is filed either by the grocery store or security company? i.e. If nothing hapens in 2 weeks or a month can I go about my business? ofcourse will not enter the store.

    Do you suggest I consult a criminal attorney right away?
  • 02-03-2007, 03:12 PM
    panther10758
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Quote:

    Quoting newgal
    View Post

    Do you suggest I consult a criminal attorney right away?

    You are faced with criminal prosecution of course you should consult an Attorney :wallbang:
  • 02-03-2007, 03:29 PM
    newgal
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    I know you cannot identify with me and believe me I am a sincere law abiding citizen & never got into anything - just don't know how/why it happend - i am going thru withdrawal from life and seriuosly think this behavior is part of it - I am just realizing the amount of self-damage this has done to me. But I am very sincerely hoping & praying that they won't file a criminal charge as it is my first time and just pay the fine - but would like to hear from senior members of this forum on my thoughts. I cannot contact a lawyer today/tomorrow and I am not ble to think about anything else the whole day.
  • 02-03-2007, 03:34 PM
    panther10758
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Quote:

    Quoting newgal
    View Post
    I know you cannot identify with me and believe me I am a sincere law abiding citizen Wrong you committed acrime and are no longer a law abiding citizen& never got into anything - just don't know how/why it happend - i am going thru withdrawal from life and seriuosly think this behavior is part of it - I am just realizing the amount of self-damage this has done to me. But I am very sincerely hoping & praying that they won't file a criminal charge as it is my first time and just pay the fine - but would like to hear from senior members of this forum on my thoughts. I cannot contact a lawyer today/tomorrow and I am not ble to think about anything else the whole day.


    Were Police called? Do you have a court date? Ifteh answer is yes then you are being charged and if found guilty will have a criminal record
  • 02-03-2007, 03:42 PM
    newgal
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    No - police were not called - no court date - incident happend Friday -
    I was told that I am being banned permanently from entering the store & any of their stores permanently - i did not knw this is criminal charge & did not ask them if they intent to file. They wrote the prices & items that I had in my possesion on a doc., asked me to sign two docs and was told that I would be trespassing if I enter their store or any of the chain stores again.
    They threated to bring in a cop if I did not give my DL & details. I obliged and so no cops were brought in. I left the store myself with purchased groceries i already had.

    Total amount of 3 itemsL (<10).
  • 02-03-2007, 03:45 PM
    panther10758
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    It appears as though store has not prosecuted then so your record will remain clean. However is you reenter store or commit another theft in one of there stores they can still file these charges. Have you got Civil Demand letter yet? Be sure to pay it. It appears as though your safe.
  • 02-03-2007, 03:45 PM
    newgal
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    No- police were not called - no court date - incident happend Friday. They threated to bring in a cop if I did not give my DL & details so I obliged and so no cops were brought in.

    Told that I am being banned permanently from entering the store & any of their stores permanently - i did not knw this is criminal charge & did not ask them if they intent to file.
    Store security guard wrote the prices & items that I had in my possesion on a doc., asked me to sign two docs, took a digital picture and was told that I would be trespassing if I enter their store or any of the chain stores again.

    left store on my own with purchased groceries i already had.

    Total amount of 3 items (<10).
  • 02-03-2007, 03:56 PM
    newgal
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    It appears as though store has not prosecuted - Newgal comments: Incident happend yesterday arnd 6:30 pm so not sure yet but don't wan't to call them to check about it! - then so your record will remain clean. However is you reenter store or commit another theft in one of there stores they can still file these charges. OK - Thanks - will not enter! Have you got Civil Demand letter yet? Be sure to pay it. Happended yesterday evening! no do demand letter yet & will pay amount! It appears as though your safe.

    I am thinking of checking my background/ criminal checks online today but not sure if it will show up yet!
  • 02-03-2007, 03:56 PM
    panther10758
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Then besides ban all you need be concerened with is Civil Demand consider yourself lucky and steal no more
  • 02-03-2007, 03:58 PM
    panther10758
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    It wont show up that quick besides you wer enot arrested so what would show up?
  • 02-03-2007, 04:14 PM
    newgal
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Thanks very much - will not happen ever again! Q: Is shoplifting consired a Larceny?? And if so I might be charged for larceny?

    I will contact an attorney to be on the safe side on Monday. Maybe the company - a well-known organic grocery store - might try to prosecute me in 6 months - I am looking for FT jobs and background check is vital. I am a naturalized citizen and do not know American laws & criminal offenses.

    Just curious are you in the legal business, a civilian eductaed on legal matters or in the security prevention business? no offense to all your help - but knowing this will atleast give me temp. peace for tonight & tomorrow. If you cannot post the answer here - due to forum laws - you can email me.
  • 02-03-2007, 04:25 PM
    panther10758
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Yes it can be called Larceny and in facts quite often that is intial charge. I work as a consultant if thats any help. Mine or any other occupation doesnt mean much you can research the info I gave you and find it correct. Also anyone (includinf myself) can say they are anything. Use the info but always consult an Attorney when dealing with criminal charges. Also "read" my signature line it may help
  • 02-03-2007, 04:40 PM
    newgal
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    I used - Larceny - because the security guard mentioned the word and not sure if that meant they will charge me under that & if so is the punishment/ prosecution higher than shoplifting?
    I did research & but cannot follow what it means for me! I read your signature line - fyi, not sure if you intend to spell 'Attorney' as 'Attonrey' & perceived as 'precieved'. pls, no offense.


    Don't ask the question if you don't want to hear the answer. Not everyone here is an Attonrey and not every Attorney here specializes in topic field. Its free advice you get what you pay for. Take what you can use and leave the rest. If you steal your a thief, If you have sex with a minor your a child rapist, If you drink and drive you may have a drinking problem so on and so forth. Coming here for advice does not exclude you from what you will be precieved as.
  • 02-03-2007, 04:44 PM
    panther10758
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Loss Prevention does not file the charges DA does! It is normal for a higher charge to be placed this leaves room for plea deals! If you had paid as much attention to your actions as you did my spelling errors we wouldnt be having this conversation
  • 02-03-2007, 04:54 PM
    newgal
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    OK - so should i await for a letter from the RI District Attorney's office for a hearing in court? can you please shed some light to this??

    Loss Prevention does not file the charges DA does! It is normal for a higher charge to be placed this leaves room for plea deals!
  • 02-03-2007, 04:59 PM
    panther10758
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    You said yourself Police were not called there is no charge! Now they could (unlikely) file charges later but that would be pointless. They got back their merchandise and will get Civil Demand. If for some silly reason store does decide to prosecute you will get one of the following

    Letter with court date

    Letter requesting you turn yourself in

    Visit from Police telling you, you have a warrant

    Call from Police asking you to surrender

    It does not appear you were or will be charged
  • 02-03-2007, 05:09 PM
    newgal
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Sir, Thank you very much for your prompt responses and patience.

    I will contact the Rhode Island Bar Association on Monday to have a consultation.
  • 02-05-2007, 08:44 PM
    SecurityExpert
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Your conviction will be on your record BUT in most cases, background checks do not extend into Municipal court which is used for traffic cases etc. Consult an attorney about the criminal case. My experience is that, unless you are being checked by a government agency, background checks stay at the county level.
  • 02-07-2007, 04:27 PM
    souperdave
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    I never thought anyone misbehaved in Rhode Island. ;)
  • 02-09-2007, 06:13 PM
    newgal
    Re: Concerned on accused for shoplifting - Rhode Island
    Hi - I did receive today a civil demand letter from an attorney representing the organic grocery store and I mailed off a check for the demanded amount. No letter yet regarding criminal charges and I only pray that I dont receive one. Really nerveracking & stressful and NOT AT ALL worth this worry.

    I am not originally from US and did not realize the implications a thing like this will lead to. Being ignorant and naive is not a solution. This forum has been great education for me and appreciate the contributions made by the members.

    Will keep posted but i do hope I don;t get charged criminally!
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