Will I Ever Be Able to Work in Retail Again

My question involves criminal law for the state of: IL

Even though I wasn't taken to a police station or gave them my SSN, is there any way for me to tell whether my name has been entered into a national retail theft database (or anything similar)? Like many of the people posting here, I made a stupid, stupid decision, and am terrified that a moment of extreme foolishness will destroy any possibility of a future career.

Here's the link to the thread where I explained my situation; any replies are greatly appreciated!

http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62759

There are other jobs besides retail.

So I am basically cut off from applying for retail jobs then?

If you are on the retail theft database and the store you apply at is a subscriber yes. Problem is yu dont know which stores are subscribers

I see (and thank you for your replies); is there any way for me to tell whether or not I am in this database? Additionally, do you think I will be charged with a formal crime (based on what happened)?

Thank you again for your responses.

You can certainly apply.

I would stay away from large retailers. Subscriptions to the database are not without cost.

Maybe you will luck out and find someone that doesn't know you are a thief.

We cant predict if you will be charged or not. You can ask the store if they are a subscriber to the database but they are not obligated to tell you or tell you the truth

And asking the question will definitely tell the retailer what you have done.

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Quoting cyjeff

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And asking the question will definitely tell the retailer what you have done.

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Let me clairify. My suggestion was to contact the store OP was caught at and ask if they are subscriber. If they are then OP can be certain his/her name is on it

One more question: if no charges end up being filed, how would you recommend I describe this incident in future job interviews (not necessarily limited to retail)? Should I?