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  1. #1

    Default What To Do After a Shoplifting Arrest

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Missouri

    What do I need to do about my recent shoplifting arrest?
    Today I was arrested for shoplifting at my local Missouri Wal-Mart. This was my first offense of any kind, I've never been in any sort of trouble with the law nor have I ever been caught shoplifting for a Wal-Mart before.
    The Wal-Mart employees stated that because this was my first time shoplifting at a Wal-Mart that I will be able to return to their stores unless it happens again, in which case I will be removed from the premises (unless I misunderstood her, which is a concern I have. I don't want to be arrested for being at a Wal-Mart if I misunderstood her)
    She also handed me a brief letter, saying that a Wal-Mart attorney would be in contact with me shortly in regards to 'civil damages'
    The policeman wrote me a ticket and released me without taking me into custody. The ticket states I have a court date in September. The officer said I must show up for that date, which is fine, I can do that.
    I am 19 years old, the items taken were an auxiliary cord for a car and a 'digital FM transmitter' (plugs into car and ipod to play music through the radio) I'm not entirely certain what the total cost of these items is, but I believe it to be right at or under 50$
    My main concerns are as follows:
    1- Can my University be contacted or notified by the police regarding my arrest?
    2- Will I actually be allowed in Wal-Marts in the future?
    3- Should I find a lawyer? I really cannot afford one, but I'm not certain how public defense works.
    4- Will Wal-Mart take me to court? I really can't afford to go against a huge corporation.
    5- What kind of punishment should I expect from the legal system? Fines, community service, jail time?
    6- Is it possible to have this kind of offense expunged from your record, given enough effort and money after the sentence is served?
    I know shoplifting is a really, really stupid thing to do, and I'll never do it again. I just don't know what to do and can't go to my parents. Any previous experience or answers to my questions or legal advice would be so greatly appreciated.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: What Do I Need to Do About My Recent Shoplifting Arrest

    1. The arrest is public knowledge. The university could be told and they could just figure it out for themselves. Around here, you'll get post cards from lawyers who mine the arrest records for business.
    2. You need to stay out of Wal*Marts until you get something from corporate rescinding the trespass order.
    3. Yes, you most definitely need a lawyer. If you are indigent rather than just unwilling to spend the money on the lawyer rather than other things, you can get a public defender. As soon as you appear in court or the police attempt to question you request one.
    4. Wal*Mart is not the one prosecuting you criminally, the State of Missouri is. As to whether they'll take you to civil court if you don't pay the civil demand letter, that's hard to say.
    5. Probation, restitution, possibly community service and shoplifting class. Jail is a possibility but usually unlikely. Your lawyer can investigate if there exists a diversion to escape it becoming a criminal conviction if you meet the terms of the probation.
    6. There is no expungement of convictions in Missouri.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: What To Do After a Shoplifting Arrest

    1- Can my University be contacted or notified by the police regarding my arrest?Likely not, but you will want to talk to your advisor. Your shoplifting may mean a degree is just a worthless piece of paper.
    2- Will I actually be allowed in Wal-Marts in the future? I'd call and find out. But it is possible you will not be in WalMart or Sams Club, worldwide.
    3- Should I find a lawyer? I really cannot afford one, but I'm not certain how public defense works. If you can afford a lawyer, you hire one. If you cannot, you plead Not Guilty and ask for a p.d
    4- Will Wal-Mart take me to court? I really can't afford to go against a huge corporation. You got a ticket, this means you are going to court.
    5- What kind of punishment should I expect from the legal system? Fines, community service, jail time? Any or all of those. Don't forget the Civil Demand. Expect $1000+. More if you hire a lawyer.
    6- Is it possible to have this kind of offense expunged from your record, given enough effort and money after the sentence is served? Depends on the state....many states take 7+ years, and the record may still be seen.

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