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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    USA Washington
    Posts
    4

    Default Resolving a Shoplifting Charge

    I live in the state of Washington.
    I am so humiliated, embarrassed and a shame. Yesterday, I was caught stealing #3 tubes of lipsticks ($26.97) from a local grocery store. However, the weird thing is I know that I really wanted to get caught, despite also being sorry for getting caught. I am a 51 year old Native American women, I am artist and have worked at administrative level in higher education. I have just developed a new training program based on my story of survival that was recently published. I will conduct my first training (workshop) at the end of this month.

    I have been diagnosed with Chronic Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Trichotillomania (a compulsive disorder). I am a survivor of childhood physical, emotional and sexual abuse, abandonment (age 16), multiple rapes (13 rapes of which 4 were gang rapes), domestic violence and substance abuse. I know all these factors do not excuse what I have done, and that I need to accept and take responsibility for my actions.

    I started shoplifting when I was about 8 years old, Barbie doll clothes (at the time I was being sexually abuse by my grandfather), and through out high school. Over the years I have gone from weeks, months to over 10 years with out shoplifting, but something will happen and I will start up again. I have always felt horrible about it afterwards and swear to myself that I won't do it anymore. I know deep inside I am a good person and I now want to understand what makes me start up gain. I also care about helping others so they won't have to go through what I've been through. I have been too ashamed to ever tell any of my counselors or therapists over the years. It has been a horrible secret, but actually I feel a sense of relief that it’s now out in open.

    As a result of my arrest yesterday I started researching about Shoplifting, and have since learned that it can be a psychological disorder and another form of addiction. I just never thought of it as addiction because I thought I had it under control and could stop. It makes since to me now because it’s truly another kind of self-destructive behavior that sadly, in my past I was accustomed too. I have scheduled appointment next week with my psychiatrist who has been treating for my Chronic PTSD. I plan to do everything possible to address and overcome this very immoral and costly (to you & consumers) form of addiction.

    After I was caught I received a CIVIL DEMAND to pay $200 plus $26.97 for the lipsticks. A policeman came & gave me a citation to appear in court on August 15, 2005. I wasn't jailed & allowed to leave but never to come back.

    What I would like to know if its still possible for the grocery store to drop the charges if they wanted to?

    Do you think writing a letter would make any difference?

    I have been unemployed since July 2004. It’s been very hard for me to find a job in my field in this college town. If this goes on my record it will make it even harder to find any job. I know that I should have thought of this before making the choice to shoplift from your store. This is my first offense, and again I plan to do what ever it takes to overcome this and make things right. I am so sorry and humiliated, and two of the worst things that came out of this were; seeing the faces of your employees (that I’ve grown to know & recognize over the years), and being banned from shopping at the store forever.

    It will always be a daily reminder because this store has been my favorite grocery store since I‘ve moved here, and something I will always regret as a consequence of my most shameful, costly and despicable action.

    Thank you so much for your time.
    Rockyj

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Caught Yesterday for Shoplifting PLEASE HELP

    Quote Quoting Rockyj
    What I would like to know if its still possible for the grocery store to drop the charges if they wanted to?
    Typically, for a misdemeanor complaint, the complainant can ask that charges be dropped.

    Quote Quoting Rockyj
    Do you think writing a letter would make any difference?
    I suggest, particularly given the effect of this matter on you, that you consult a local lawyer before sending any letters. A lawyer should be able to advise you as to whether any alternative sentences are available which might help you avoid a conviction. You should also consider seeking mental health care, to help ensure that this doesn't happen again.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    USA Washington
    Posts
    4

    Default Caught Yesterday for Shoplifting PLEASE HELP

    I have been so upset, unable to sleep and almost suicidal.
    Hopefully, I can get in to see my psychiatrist this week.
    Anyway, its too late to consult a lawyer since I already mailed a letter of apology to the store on Saturday, similar to what I wrote in my message here. I also asked if they would consider dropping the charges. If its up to the store detective, I know they would't drop the charges. The store manager seems to be very nice, we have exchanged smiles before, and even spoke on one occasion. But I know that doesn't mean anything given the circumstances.
    My court hearing isn't until August 15, 2005, since my job wasn't renewed last year, and my unemployment ran out I am now on state asistance (food & medical only). So I believe I am eligible for a court appointed attorney.

    Can I request one to consult with before the hearing?

    I will have to enter a plea that day, and I don't want to until I talk to a lawyer.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Court-Appointed Lawyer

    You would need to contact the court and petition for an appointed lawyer. That typically requires the submission of an affidavit to the court, attesting to your financial need, which is subsequently reviewed by a judge. If you wish to try to have a lawyer appointed before your next court hearing, you should probably contact the court this morning about the proper procedure for requesting the lawyer.

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