Caught Shoplifting and Given a Citation

[Dongbae]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Wisconsin.

Hi everybody,

Recently (yesterday, to be exact) I shoplifted a $10 item from a local Fleet Farm and loss prevention caught me outside in the parking lot. They apprehended me and led me into their office where a police officer was called and they basically gave me a citation for $330. That seems like way too much for a $10 item, but yes, I accept the responsibility of paying this citation off. The loss prevention team told me that this wasn't going to show up on my records and that I shouldn't worry about anything other than the citation and a possible civil fine that may come later. After, the officer and the loss prevention team dismissed me. I'm 19 by the way, so I'm not a juvenile, and this was my first theft offense.

Questions that I still have unanswered:
1) Will this show up on my record? I didn't take this statement so lightly... because there seemed to be something fishy going on in the room with the loss prevention and the police officer.

2) Is it possible for me to get into a diversion program so I can have the violation expunged from my records. I really do want to do something with my life and not have this small citation impact my future with employment.

3) What are the rates for an attorney and will this help at all?

Thanks for listening forum,
Dongbae

[PandorasBox]

Since police were called....you will want a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, plead Not Guilty, and ask for a public defender.

Expect the $330 citation. Expect the Civil Demand from the stores lawyers. Also money for a lawyer or public defender. Ask for a First Time Offenders Program. Seriously, expect $2000+, be grateful if it is less.

Since police were called, yes...this will be on your record for a while. Again, ask for the First Time Offenders Program.

Once convicted in court, you may be entered into the National Retail Theft Database for 7 years. No way around that one.

Again, ask about a First Time Offenders program. It will not be expunged immediately....6-24 months is a good average of when it is taken off record.

Attorney fees....they vary. Yes, it will help. You may get a plea deal, though the original charge can show up in a background check. Talk to various Criminal Defense lawyers, see which you like best.

[Dongbae]

The $2000 is fine for me because I've saved up enough to not have that impact me. Although, I'm a bit curious about the National Retail Theft Database... will that affect job employment for me? I'm finding an attorney this Monday since most of their offices are closed on the weekends. After taking the First Time Offenders program that will remove myself from background checks/scans, correct? Again, thanks for answering with the best quality answer possible.

[PandorasBox]

If you take a first time offender program, it does take a little time to have the record sealed, 6-24 months.

The National Theft Database is viewable by retail stores that subscribe to it. If the store you stole from subscribes, upon conviction you will be entered and will remain there for 7 years. So it might screw you for retail jobs.

[cbg]

I really do want to do something with my life and not have this small citation impact my future with employment.

The time to think about that was before you committed a crime, no matter how "small". Sorry, absolutely no sympathy for thieves who then complain about how it's going to affect their lives if they have to be held responsible for their actions.

[PandorasBox]

Take it from me: I had a lawyer, but no diversion program available. I was offered a plea deal to Disorderly Person.

4.5 years later...turned down by a staffing agency for a DATA ENTRY job. Yep. Turned down for a beer/wine merchandising job, despite my experience. Turned down for a job at small party store.

Meanwhile...I did get a seasonal position at a Toys R Us...Tried Breakfast Host at a motel.

I do have three very part time jobs. They pay well, they are all Independent Contractor gigs. 2 are Promotional Model, so my looks and personality got me those jobs, and they trust me with company credit cards. The other is merchandising two novelty stores. If those companies did a background check, I bet things would be different.

[Dongbae]

Well, I talked with a friend of mine (who is a lawyer himself) and he is willing to go into court with me free of charge. He also explained that there IS a First Offfenders program around my area and the likeliness of me getting in is 100%. The program consists of community hours for 6 months and there's no fee for supervision on me.

Looks like my life is free and set to go.

Thanks forum!
Dongbae

[PandorasBox]

Just remember that there is no Second Time Offender break.....

[Dongbae]

Let me tell you, Forum, my case was dismissed and I got off easily paying only $330. The judge approved to expunging the petty theft misdemeanor (thanks to my helpful attorney; who is also one of my closest friends). I did no community service, but am currently enrolled in a shoplifting program for 1 month for 2 hours a week.

To EVERYONE ELSE WHO IS THINKING OF SHOPLIFTING:
It is certainly just not worth it! A small $5 item, it doesn't matter what the price is whether or not it's $1 or a mere 50 cents, you'll end up paying close to $2000 or maybe even more if you're unlucky. I got off lucky, just let me tell you folks that.

P.S.
The judge I had wanted to make an example of me, but my helpful attorney somehow did his magic. Instead of doing 6 months of community service, I landed in a 1-month program. Yes, an attorney does miracles; not all of them, but most of them.

Cheers forum,
Dongbae