Results 1 to 3 of 3

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    1

    Default Concealing Merchandise in Virginia

    My 22 year old sister was caught stealing 20 dollar earrings from Kohl's here in Virginia, Prince William County. It is her first offense, and she has nothing on her record. She was charged with "concealing merchandise" and they gave her an arraignment date a week later.

    Is a concealing merchandise charge lesser than petit larceny, or shoplifting? or is it just a legal term for one of these?

    I told her to get an attorney. She is just a little worried about what is going to happen. Is an attorney absolutely necessary with a charge like this? I figure the main concern would be to keep the charge off her record, as to not hurt her from job opportunities in the future, and a lawyer would be able to do that better than just pleading guilty.

    Any guesses on what an average sentence for this is? I know a class 1 mis. is maximum one year jail time, but it just seems a little ridiculous to think she will get anything like that for stealing 20 dollar earrings, especially on a first offense.

    Everyone makes mistakes, I'm just looking for a little guidance so I can ease the worries.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Concealing Merchandise in Virginia

    If she has no prior record, I would expect her sentence to include fines, probation, and possibly community service.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    811

    Default Re: Concealing Merchandise in Virginia

    Get an attorney, even a public defender if possible. Go through a diversion program if PWC offers it. Fairfax does, but it is rare since a lot of the thefts from Tyson's are hotly prosecuted this time of year. PWC may be a bit more forgiving.

    That $20 could cost her millions in lost opportunities later in life, whether convicted or not.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Concealing Merchandise - Charge Unable to Be Dropped
    By NoVAkid in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 04-24-2011, 01:21 PM
  2. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Caught Concealing Merchandise
    By dsturgy in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-24-2011, 05:49 PM
  3. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Concealing Merchandise
    By abosnowman in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-14-2009, 09:04 PM
  4. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Caught Concealing Merchandise
    By nomic in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-08-2009, 09:23 PM
  5. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Charges for Concealing Merchandise
    By cellp in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 11-21-2007, 12:23 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources