What Will Happen if You're Caught Stealing from Your Job
My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey
recently the asset protection manager took me to an interview saying that I have stolen some merchandise from Z-mart store. I confirmed to the asset protection manager about the theft of 4 electronic devices and some other little things like bottles of water and 2 lanterns. after I admitted this, I was asked to sign a resignation letter admitting my "crime". I was asked to provide my home address and also my phone number so that a local police can contact me about the matter. Today is sunday. im guessing the police will contact me on monday and I dont know whats going to happen next.
manager and the asset protection manager were glad I was providing the detail of my wrongdoing...and im aware it will be impossible to work at that store in general. they walked me out of the store. I even told them I can return 2 of the electronic devices I took.
my question is:
1) will I get arrested?
2) will I have to pay a bond?
3) should I consult with a criminal lawyer in my town just in case whats going to happen next, or should I contact a lawyer when I get a call from the NJ police?
4) will this action stay permanently on my record , in terms of finding a job? (i was just a cleaner) but if I go to university and then want to land a mid-level job someday , will that ruin my chances of applying in the U.S?
5) will I get something called a "civil demand notice" regarding the losses?
6) if the police will call me, for what will it be about? to set an schedule to plead guilty or get a mugshot?
this is the first time I am being summoned to court, and because of this lesson. I shall never steal again.
Re: Caught Stealing at Walmart
Walmart is aggressive in prosecuting theft, so you can expect to be charged. Yes, you need a lawyer. S/he can negotiate the best resolution of your case. The best you can hope for is NJ's pretrial intervention program for 1st time offenders. If you do what is required you can avoid having a criminal conviction record. I can't predict whether you will have to post a bond, or whether you'll simply be given a notice to appear in court. Your lawyer can walk you through the procedural steps in your jurisdiction.
And keep this in mind: There is absolutely nothing in Walmart, or any other store, that is worth ruining your life over. Criminal convictions will destroy many many paths and opportunities in life that you might otherwise pursue.
Re: Caught Stealing at Walmart
1.) The crystal ball is out being recalibrated
2.) See #1
3.) Yes. All criminals should consult with criminal lawyers sooner rather than later. BEFORE you become a criminal would have been best, but it's too late for that now.
4.) See #1
5.) Ohhh, yes.
6.) To arrest you, most likely. Otherwise, see #1
Re: Caught Stealing at Walmart
also I study abroad, I wonder how soon is this process is going to take place.
I will be glad to pay the fines and lawyer at this point
Re: Caught Stealing at Walmart
It's going to take as long as it takes. No one here has any idea what the work load currently is for the local police force and prosecutor. You're just going to have to worry - they're not obligated to do things on your time line. If it's inconvenient for you - tough cookies. You inconvenienced other people enough with your theft.
Re: Caught Stealing at Walmart
The civil demand will not make the criminal charges go away. You can't just "pay the fines" and be done with it. If the aggregate value is over $200 you're facing a CRIME case (what NJ calls felonies). It's not going to go quickly at this point. A lawyer may be able to speed up some aspects of it, but you'd better be ready to change your travel plans.
Re: Caught Stealing at Walmart
If you are charged with felony theft, kiss off study abroad. Most countries do not want to let convicted felons in. Many do not want anyone charged with a felony, convicted or not. If you want to travel abroad you really need a lawyer.
Re: What Will Happen if You're Caught Stealing from Your Job
Quote:
Quoting
dimitri83
recently the asset protection manager took me to an interview saying that I have stolen some merchandise from Z-mart store. I confirmed to the asset protection manager about the theft of 4 electronic devices and some other little things like bottles of water and 2 lanterns. after I admitted this, I was asked to sign a resignation letter admitting my "crime". I was asked to provide my home address and also my phone number so that a local police can contact me about the matter. Today is sunday. im guessing the police will contact me on monday and I dont know whats going to happen next.
Why the quotation remarks around "crime" when that is most certainly what this is. You stole, which is a crime.
And when you say you're studying abroad -- does that mean you're a US citizen who hopes to study abroad, or are you studying here from abroad?