Resolving a Shoplifting Charge
I live in the state of Washington.
I am so humiliated, embarrassed and a shame. Yesterday, I was caught stealing #3 tubes of lipsticks ($26.97) from a local grocery store. However, the weird thing is I know that I really wanted to get caught, despite also being sorry for getting caught. I am a 51 year old Native American women, I am artist and have worked at administrative level in higher education. I have just developed a new training program based on my story of survival that was recently published. I will conduct my first training (workshop) at the end of this month.
I have been diagnosed with Chronic Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Trichotillomania (a compulsive disorder). I am a survivor of childhood physical, emotional and sexual abuse, abandonment (age 16), multiple rapes (13 rapes of which 4 were gang rapes), domestic violence and substance abuse. I know all these factors do not excuse what I have done, and that I need to accept and take responsibility for my actions.
I started shoplifting when I was about 8 years old, Barbie doll clothes (at the time I was being sexually abuse by my grandfather), and through out high school. Over the years I have gone from weeks, months to over 10 years with out shoplifting, but something will happen and I will start up again. I have always felt horrible about it afterwards and swear to myself that I won't do it anymore. I know deep inside I am a good person and I now want to understand what makes me start up gain. I also care about helping others so they won't have to go through what I've been through. I have been too ashamed to ever tell any of my counselors or therapists over the years. It has been a horrible secret, but actually I feel a sense of relief that it’s now out in open.
As a result of my arrest yesterday I started researching about Shoplifting, and have since learned that it can be a psychological disorder and another form of addiction. I just never thought of it as addiction because I thought I had it under control and could stop. It makes since to me now because it’s truly another kind of self-destructive behavior that sadly, in my past I was accustomed too. I have scheduled appointment next week with my psychiatrist who has been treating for my Chronic PTSD. I plan to do everything possible to address and overcome this very immoral and costly (to you & consumers) form of addiction.
After I was caught I received a CIVIL DEMAND to pay $200 plus $26.97 for the lipsticks. A policeman came & gave me a citation to appear in court on August 15, 2005. I wasn't jailed & allowed to leave but never to come back.
What I would like to know if its still possible for the grocery store to drop the charges if they wanted to?
Do you think writing a letter would make any difference?
I have been unemployed since July 2004. It’s been very hard for me to find a job in my field in this college town. If this goes on my record it will make it even harder to find any job. I know that I should have thought of this before making the choice to shoplift from your store. This is my first offense, and again I plan to do what ever it takes to overcome this and make things right. I am so sorry and humiliated, and two of the worst things that came out of this were; seeing the faces of your employees (that I’ve grown to know & recognize over the years), and being banned from shopping at the store forever.
It will always be a daily reminder because this store has been my favorite grocery store since I‘ve moved here, and something I will always regret as a consequence of my most shameful, costly and despicable action.
Thank you so much for your time.
Rockyj
Re: Caught Yesterday for Shoplifting PLEASE HELP
Quote:
Quoting Rockyj
What I would like to know if its still possible for the grocery store to drop the charges if they wanted to?
Typically, for a misdemeanor complaint, the complainant can ask that charges be dropped.
Quote:
Quoting Rockyj
Do you think writing a letter would make any difference?
I suggest, particularly given the effect of this matter on you, that you consult a local lawyer before sending any letters. A lawyer should be able to advise you as to whether any alternative sentences are available which might help you avoid a conviction. You should also consider seeking mental health care, to help ensure that this doesn't happen again.
Caught Yesterday for Shoplifting PLEASE HELP
I have been so upset, unable to sleep and almost suicidal.
Hopefully, I can get in to see my psychiatrist this week.
Anyway, its too late to consult a lawyer since I already mailed a letter of apology to the store on Saturday, similar to what I wrote in my message here. I also asked if they would consider dropping the charges. If its up to the store detective, I know they would't drop the charges. The store manager seems to be very nice, we have exchanged smiles before, and even spoke on one occasion. But I know that doesn't mean anything given the circumstances.
My court hearing isn't until August 15, 2005, since my job wasn't renewed last year, and my unemployment ran out I am now on state asistance (food & medical only). So I believe I am eligible for a court appointed attorney.
Can I request one to consult with before the hearing?
I will have to enter a plea that day, and I don't want to until I talk to a lawyer.