Second Offense Shoplifting In Seattle

Today I was caught shoplifting for the second time in my life. It's been about four years since my first offense. The merchandise totaled just under fifty dollars. I was barred from the premises for seven years and told I'd be fined $200 plus the cost of the merchandise.

Now I'm sure we're all here because we know we've made a mistake (at least those of us posting) I would very much like to know where I go from here. I was told I would eventually receive a letter from the city court (I am in a different city than the first offense if that matters) but that a court date could take as long as six months.

I'm getting ready to graduate from college and want to do everything possible to ensure this doesn't follow me for the rest of my life since soon I'll be applying for a career. Is there anything I can do at this point?

I appreciate any help or thoughts you all could provide me. Thanks so much.

I called today to speak to the manager. They told me I needed to speak with the CEO who will be in on Monday. I have a direct phone number listed on their website and have every intention of attempting to reason with them.

Does anyone know of this ever working for anyone? Or what I should say? I was caught red-handed basically so I have no intention of denying my actions but rather I will emphasize the extent of my remorse and the lengths I am willing to go to redeem myself and prevent legal action.

If your thinking of talking them out of Civil Demand forget it. If they have filed charges its too lat eif not then hey give it a shot you got nothing to lose

By taking legal action do you mean civil demand or criminal actions which could lead to issues later in life when an employer runs a background check?

Since you would be a degreed professional know that these red-handed mistakes can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your life. Many employers are checking ChoicePoint and other information providers in addition to the criminal courts.

If it were me, I would do everything in my power to keep it out of the criminal or civil courts. The CEO may be sympathetic (don't mention it was your 2nd time getting caught) and just provide a civil demand. If you don't pay it they might file both a civil case and criminal charges.

If they file criminal charges spend the $500-$1000 that it will cost for the attorney and see if he/she can get you into a diversion program. These programs result in a clean record upon successful completion and no reoffending. They are usually for first-time offenders or offenders with a clean 2-5 year record.

Cut this out, you are an adult and will be entering the workforce! Seek professional help if needed.
If you had a co-worker or friend with you they could have been charged as an accessory!

I'm referring to criminal actions. I have every intention of paying the civil demand.

I know that I can't afford to have this skeleton in my closet for the entirety of my professional career (or at least the next seven years) and am willing to go to any lengths to prevent this.

I definitely won't be mentioning this has occurred before and will be seeking help at a kleptomania/shoplifter's anonymous meeting later this week.

Can anyone clarify to me what a diversion program is?

And I am sorry for what I did and that I even put myself in a situation in which I need to ask for advice like this but I really appreciate the help, thanks so much.

I'll be speaking with him tomorrow, anyone know what I could say to induce sympathy? I imagine it'd be a difficult situation to empathize with but I need to try.

I have a contact with SA if yo would like his email PM me

Diversion is usually not an option with a second offense. Talk to your Attorney

I got a letter for civil demand today. I've been advised by some not to admit guilt to the store, should I not pay it yet? Included in the letter is the number for security. I haven't had any luck getting ahold of the CEO would this be a better route or am I likely too late? Thanks again.

Paying Civil Demand is not an admission of guilt. However if you plan to fight any pending criminal charges related to this Civil Demand you might contact them and discuss it

I spoke with the security department this morning. They were hardly helpful, assuring me that they prosecute all offenders to the fullest extent of the law and would not drop charges as well as refusing to provide me with copies of the statement I signed agreeing not to trespass in the store.

I suppose my only recourse at this point is to find a proper attorney. Does anyone have any helpful suggestion as to finding a decent criminal attorney in the city of Seattle?