Caught Shoplifting Items Totaling $190 in New Jersey

[NeedToChange]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NEW JERSEY

I sit in stunned shock as I write this as it it the most horrible feeling to be put in cuffs and taken away in a police car. I was caught with $190 worth of merchandise in my handbag and in another small plastic bag. I begged them not to call the police but of course they did. I apologized profusely for what I did and acted respectfully and caused no trouble whatsoever. I don't know what to do. I have two other incidents - one when I had just turned 18, for which I was convicted, and another incident, for which I was NOT convicted TWO years ago, and which (just yesterday, ironically) was expunged. I didn't need to get it expunged as I was not convicted but I did not want the arrest on my record. Now, after all that time and money, here I am finger printed and photographed AGAIN. I am now 46, so the original incident I had when I was 18 was many, many years ago but I know it still shows up on my arrest record as the police officer asked me about it today. I am currently unemployed and I don't know what to do. Will this arrest and/or subsequent conviction be on my record should I go for a job? Is it even worth it to ask for a Public Defender? As embarrassing as it is to admit, I did the crime.

Thank you for any help.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You know full well that when you commit crimes, those crimes end up on your criminal record. You just went through an expungement for that very reason.

You're a good thief - you mostly get away with it - and fundamentally that's the problem. When you get prosecuted for shoplifting three times over almost thirty years, we're not talking about shoplifting as isolated mistakes - we're talking about a lifestyle choice. You should consider psychotherapy, even if it's short-term counseling through your church (if you're in a church), as obviously you need to stop doing this.

You would likely benefit from having a lawyer, so by all means request court-appointed counsel.

[PandorasBox]

Counseling, anti-shoplifting class, and see if there is a local Shoplifters Anonymous near you.

Hell, this, this will show up on a Criminal Background Check - whenever you look for a job, or even an apartment....in fact, you will find some apartments will not rent to you, period.

[Disagreeable]

Congratulations on establishing a track record as a repetitive thief. I'm sure any potential employers will give fair consideration to your talents when appraising you for employment.