First Time Shoplifting By A Foreigner

[elliottdelilah]

Hi SD,

I am sorry it sounded like I was berating someone. I just think that the forum is meant for people with serious remorse and concern for their future. We all make bad judgement calls, yes even repeatedly.

But isn't it important that one tries to rectify it, admits to something difficult and asks for help? Please take this with humor but if I really wanted someone to sound like my father, and point out how I let down my fellowship by shoplifting, I would indeed go home. :-) What is JMHO by the way?

I didn't say I did something spectacularly clever yesterday, did I? In fact this might be the thing I am most ashamed of in my life. All I said was, please go easy on someone else who clearly needs help.
Be well.

[souperdave]

Hi souper dave,
For the first time shoplifter, there would be a hefty cash fine and a warning if convicted. But at home, there is no system of records for people.

Why do you ask?

You are from India are you not? And in most (all?) Muslim and/or Hindu cultures isn't the penalty for theft the loss of the 'offending' appendage?

[elliottdelilah]

Look, I understand your getting aggravated that someone stole and wants to escape consequences.

I don't want to escape consequences. I just want a chance to do better. And if I am whacked too hard the first time I ever screw up, then I might not HAVE that chance. Whether to show society that a lesson was served and learnt, or to demonstrate that I am capable of being trusted, someone in my position can only do her best if I got that chance.

I could make excuses, but I am deeply sorry for what I did. I owe it to my career and all I have learnt as a student, to try my best to get a chance to do better.

[panther10758]

The Law is the Law your residence status or career staus should not matter! This will not likely impact neither its a minor offense but to minmize it sets you up for repeat actions as many of us have often seen. Take your punishment and move forward

[elliottdelilah]

I am assuming of course that your questions to me are serious, and not fueled by anger and sarcasm alone.

No one chops off appendages for anything in India, in fact they never did. Besides, the Indian criminal justice system is not the same as a uniform civil code in some Islamic societies. There is no such thing as a Hindu justice system.

If I were trafficking drugs in the Emirates, then the punishment might be a mixture of the shariya and their legal system. Again, not for shoplifting, perhaps something that threatened the life/limb of someone else.

[elliottdelilah]

Of course, I will take the punishment and move forward. I am. My trying to minimize the damage is not an attempt to grease my glowing criminal career. Guilt is a personal concept, and if i didn't have enough of my own, no maximum potential damage would grow some in me.

Suffice to say, I did something horrible to act out against someone's suicide, but I will do everything I can to see that it does not happen again. Not by "getting away" with it, but by actually doing better.

I took what you said seriously, you make a good point about repeat offenses.
I will get help regardless of the outcome of this.

Tell me though. Panther, did my lawyer's advice seem sound to you?

[panther10758]

I am usually on the victim's (stores) side so my view is bias. I am NOT an Attorney therefore I am NOT qualified to judge his advice. Both myself and Mr. K suggest you consult a Lawyer you did and paid a large sum of money for it (too much in my view). Far be it for me to say NOT to follow your Lawyers advice. Like I have said your fines etc will be small and easily dealt with without harm to your status here.

[marblephant]

I was in your situation a few months ago and my lawyer told me the exact same things. Definitely tell your lawyer everything (even if it does not seem to be particularly important). I also sought counselling after getting caught, which was very helpful.

In my case, I was fortunate enough to be offered a diversion program. I took the whole experience as a lesson learned.

I completed my M.Sc. in medical microbiology this fall, and I'm glad my experience did not ruin my chances of being a productive member of society.

I hope everything works out for you

[elliottdelilah]

Thank you P, K and SD. I appreciate it all - your time, advice and criticism. The law is also on the side of the victim... on a better day, so am I. We're both biased :-)

If there is a lawyer reading this thread (Aaron?), could you please possibly read the post about some stuff that came from my meeting the lawyer, and tell me if it makes sense factually?

[elliottdelilah]

Thank you for your sympathy, marblephant. I am glad things turned around for you.
I will see what happens and let you know.