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  1. #1

    Default First Time Shoplifting

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Missouri

    A few days ago i was caught shop lifting. I was in a hurry and put 3 items in my pocket that amounted to $25. The cops were called and I got a ticket, I was not put in handcuffs or taken to the station. This is my first offense. How much trouble am I in?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: First Time Shoplifting

    Not knowing your age, I will assume you are 18+.

    Cops were called - you were technically arrested and released. Eventually, you will go through the process of fingerprinting and mugshot.

    You can expect court costs, fines. There is a possibility of Supervised Probation; Anti-Shoplifting Class; Community Service - these are not free. A Civil Demand from the store/their lawyers will appear in the mail, you will want to pay this also - this is separate from the Criminal Charge. And it will make job hunting difficult for many years.

    You will want to get a Criminal Defense Lawyer if you can afford one. If not, plead Not Guilty and ask for a public defender (again, not free).

    All in all, that $25.00 is gonna cost you $1500 - $3000.

    Don't use the "I was in a hurry" excuse - the prosecutor and judge have heard it a zillion times....

  3. #3

    Default Re: First Time Shoplifting

    So in other words im pretty screwed. Is that a best case scenario? Or is that just if i plead not guilty, and later i am found guilty?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: First Time Shoplifting

    Do not plead guilty. You leave the judges hands tied to the minimum sentence, where a lawyer or public defender may get you a reduced charge.

    Also ask the lawyer or PD about first time offender sentencing, adjudication withheld......but it's not available everywhere. Even with a reduced charge, the original charge will still show up on certain background searches. Your name and info may also be in a National Theft Database, which a thorough background check will reveal.

    PS...you are not 100% screwed. I was able to get the approval to obtain a Real Estate license. I had to get Certified Copy of Judgment; letters of recommendation from former employers....hold my breath for a few months after submitting all the info....

    Retail is pretty much out. Unless you stick to independent/small stores. The bigger the chain, the more likely they subscribe to the Theft Database. Banker - anything that handles money, is really a 5% chance at best of being hired.

    McD's, as I have found out, only asks about Felony charges, not Misdemeanors. I don't know what a background check for them asks for though....

    If you are planning/attending college - you may need to re-think your degree plan...if it involves money or high level of trust, even nursing....

  5. #5

    Default Re: First Time Shoplifting

    Why should I not plead guilty? It seems like the best option if its the minimum semtence, or do I not want the minimum sentence and try and fight this?

    I still dont understand why I should not plead guilty, and as ironically as this may seem I wanted to go into law after college. Is there any way to get this removed from my record after everything is done?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: First Time Shoplifting

    Pleading guilty is not the same as saying you didn't do it; it is standing on your Constitutional right to have the law find you guilty.

    You plead guilty, the judge has no discretion about how to sentence you. You plead not guilty, your lawyer may be able to get you a reduced charge, which also means a reduced sentence.

    Whether you can or cannot get it expunged is state specific, but in at least some states (I don't know about yours specifically) you'll have a harder time getting it off your record if you plead guilty.

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