Theft by Shoplifting, Giving False Name to the Police

[sherib12]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Georgia. Ok so I recently have been to jail for shoplifting from target. 154 dollars worth. Its my second offense but the first time i went to jail i used a different name . This time i went and they finger printed me they saw i was in once before for the same charge. I have more than 1 question. Will the judge see i was there before or will he not see it since i had a different name.? And if he does see its my second offense could i face jail time

[Mr. Knowitall]

The prosecutor is going to be fully aware that you have a prior, and will charge you accordingly. I would not be surprised if you also find yourself facing charges for your prior act of obstruction of justice / identity theft, as well.

[sherib12]

I didn't have identity theft I changed my name legally

[PTPD22]

The two names have now been linked and the prosecutor will know that you have a prior conviction. If you are convicted again, the prosecutor will bring this up during sentencing. And, yes, you committed a crime for which jail time is a possible punishment. The fact that this is your second offense makes jail more likely.

[free9man]

I would highly recommend you stop the shoplifting, find a support group or something. Your arrests are linked by your fingerprints, not your name. They will simply know you have 2 names and one will be listed as an alias.

You have 2 shoplifting arrests in GA. One resulted in a conviction, and given Target's generally good reputation in courts, this one probably will too. I'm not sure if you are aware but after 3, every additional instance of shoplifting automatically becomes a felony.

[PandorasBox]

When you change your name....you have to file paperwork. Along with a notice in the paper; and appear in court. And you have to answer the judge if you have been arrested in the past 6 months. I'm sure you have a notorized document noting the name change. Guess what - the court does as well. AND you likely had to have your SSN changed to reflect the new name, so that is on Federal record. And yes - those fingerprints, see they belong to one individual only.

Do you have an AA around you? If so, they may have a Shoplifters Anon program. If not....grab the phone book and find a counselor.....

Oh, we did mention Target will likely put you in the National Retail Theft Database....for 7 years.....