Caught Removing and Switching Price Tags, and Shoplifting Jewelry

[cbg]

Just to make it clear, it is still not likely that anyone is going to call your stepmom's employer and tell them, "Oh, by the way, Sally was arrested for theft this weekend". But arrests are public record; she is going to need time off work to attend court, and it is not even close to impossible that the employer will find it out without anyone telling him.

[PandorasBox]

Unless the company runs regular background checks on current employees, and the chances of that are slim.

[cbg]

Well, as I said, it's not at all unlikely that they'll find out - that's just one more way that they can.

What they will do about it is anyone's guess. Yes, she could be fired. It's also possible that she won't be fired. No way for us to know.

[ChelseaKays]

Thank you for both of your answers. They were truthful and very forward.

I am so ashamed, I don't even know what else to say. There is no excuse for my actions. I was weak in character and lost all of my virtues to greed. Everything I worked so hard to keep up until now--I lost them all. I had a dream of dedicating the rest of my life to medical and helping the needy and saving children's lives. I had so much I wanted to accomplish in life to honor my father and my grandfather; I can't do any of them now. So much for being educated, so much for being a good person--I am so ashamed. I'm so sorry to my father, to my grandfather, to my future children-- how can I teach them what is right if I failed to do those things I preach? I can't even walk into a store now without feeling guilty and embarrassed. I don't even dare put a judgement on someone else now, because I know I am guilty of sins myself. I'm truly repenting. I'm so scared--I'm scared of everything, and I'm scared of myself. I don't know how to forgive myself. I never meant to do anything bad. I never thought I would allow materials to blind my judgement. I don't know how I ended up like this...

[PandorasBox]

Hon, I did it myself to get out of a bad living situation.

In April, 2014 (5 years later), I can finally file for Expungment.

I did great on a Data Entry test for a Staffing Agency...but despite knocking their socks off, my 4-year old record killed that Data Entry position. I can't get a job at Macy's even. WalMart and Target were impossible to get into without a record.....

When I walk into a store...I'm very careful. If I found I went in for one item and ended up with an armful...I approach the Greeter and ask if I can leave my stuff with them or on a display while I get a cart. I will never place things into a reusable bag while shopping. Forget sticking my hands in pockets. When I try clothes on, I put them back on the rack or the return rack....no more leaving them in a fitting room.

[cbg]

Chelsea, how old are you? I'm asking for a reason.

[ChelseaKays]

Cbg: I'm 22.

PandorasBox: I now understand why you seem to know so much about this topic. I looked up expungement last night. I hope yours will be granted! Story of my idiotic life: I'm even reluctant to step out of my house now. School starts next month and I don't even know if I still have the courage to go...or if I even could go for that matter. I've reviewed FAFSA carefully and the only concerns they have to withdraw my financial aid is if I'm involved in crimes of drugs or violence. I've yet to call my school's office to confirm this though. Truthfully it's because I am even ashamed to accept my aid. I don't know if I will even have a future anymore. Should I even continue school--I've been asking myself so.

[Disagreeable]

Chelsea, here is a link to legal aid. Giving you the benefit of the doubt, your step mother should have put the brakes on this before it started. I suggest you make the same plea to them and hope they get you diversion. This is a non profit, operating off grants.

http://sites.lawhelp.org/program/694...ename=homepage

[LawResearcherMissy]

I don't know if I will even have a future anymore. Should I even continue school--I've been asking myself so.

Knock off the self-pity act. You were ALL cognizant of what you were doing, and now it's time to pay the piper for the dance.

You are unlikely to lose your student aid over a shoplifting charge - particularly if you do what Pandora has suggested and try to get into a diversion program.

The only way to jeopardize your entire future with this stupid stunt is to not learn from it, and sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Stay in school, stay out of trouble, and do something worthwhile with your life after you've gotten all of this taken care of. You do not have the luxury of wallowing in self-pity and whining "woe is me", so stop it now.

[PandorasBox]

Check your states laws in expungement....some states will take many years to allow it. And with the cost of college...not worth it to get a degree and find a record will hold you back. Definitely talk to a lawyer or public defender about a First Time Offenders agreement/diversion program. Research jobs in your field, see how many say there will be a mandatory background check.

While I can't get a job at Macy's, I did pass the background check for Toys R Us. Background checks are not created equal.

- - - Updated - - -

And yes...you will go on.

I work very part-time as a Promotional Model demonstrating alcoholic beverages. I also merchandise for a distributor to 2 stores in a retail chain. Took me time to find work (I also have two disabilities to make it more challenging), but I never gave up. I even have two interviews for tomorrow.

Both are in fields I have never really worked. But I will do my best.