Second Offense, Retail Fraud In Oregon

[idontevenknow]

I was recently caught for stealing money from the cash registers from the retail store that I work at, totaling over a thousand dollars. I did this over a couple months period, using customers receipts and making fraudulent returns. I was asked to come in and work on a day that was outside of my availability, which so happened to be when they had the "investigator" on the phone and basically intimidated me into a confession. I took the honesty route and confessed to my deed, coooperated and filled out paperwork, including a testimony of my fraudulent transactions... with an ounce of hope that they may be more lenient on what they were going to do to me. I doubt that may happen because I am an employee (I don't know if being an employee will make a difference.. stealing is stealing) and also because this is my second offense. I am currently on 18 months probation right now from shoplifting at a Macy's and I am panicking about what is to come next. I know that this was stupid, and I am beginning to think that I have a problem and might have to seek counseling. I know that I am damaged my reputation, burned bridges, and not to mention jeopardized my future with a criminal background. Will someone please be straightforward and tell me what to expect? I am in Oregon, and over the age of 18.

[Happy Trails]

You are asking for a "straight forward answer".

There is no way any one can predict what action they may or may not take.

It may be just a civil action, and/or you could be facing criminal charges as well.

If you find out you are facing criminal charges, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney.

If you believe you have a problem that you are ready to seek help for, you don't need anyone's permission to do that.

[gigirle]

My honest opinion here is that your in WAY over your head. It's very likely that you will be charged and with a felony since it's over a thousand dollars. I can't see any business NOT turning you in.
If this happens (and you should expect that it will) you need to notify your attorney of the current situation. You are looking at dealing with your current situation and as well as your past situation as this is definately a violation of your parole. Your parole could be revoked for the rest of your sentence to be served in jail. Make that call to your lawyer tomorrow. Good luck and get that help you need.

[panther10758]

My honest opinion here is that your in WAY over your head. It's very likely that you will be charged and with a felony since it's over a thousand dollars. I can't see any business NOT turning you in.
If this happens (and you should expect that it will) you need to notify your attorney of the current situation. You are looking at dealing with your current situation and as well as your past situation as this is definately a violation of your parole. Your parole could be revoked for the rest of your sentence to be served in jail. Make that call to your lawyer tomorrow. Good luck and get that help you need.

The OP is on probation not Parole. On a 1st offense shoplifting I doubt there was any jail time so that wont apply here. However the violation of probation along with a felony charge I cant see you not going to jail. You need to contact a criminal defense Attorney as soon as you can as you face very serious charges

[idontevenknow]

Thank you. I'm supposed to come into the store for a meeting to "resolve" businesses. Is this code for being detained? I am in school and I am very scared of what is going to happen. I will call a criminal defense attorney tomorrow morning. I'm not sure what to expect and I have a terrible feeling that they have scheduled the police to come in and haul me out of there next week. I've been cooperative and I'm not sure if my current employers are aware of my past charge. I was one of the best employees there and had great rapport with the managers up until this point.. Is there any chance that this might be dealt with internally and that the criminal justice system be left out of it? Also, what should I do when I contact a criminal defense attorney and how will he be able to help me? I have a card/phonenumber for a pre-paid legal services.. are they helpful or should I go and find another one of my own? I want this to be done and over with asap and also so my parents won't find out.

[cyjeff]

Okay, first off, you were not one of the best employees there. Best employees do not steal from the company.

Second, you are going to be arrested. You are talking felony theft and there is no way they are going to let you walk.

I am glad you are talking to an attorney. You will need one.

The time to think about therapy for your problem was BEFORE you stole anything.

As for being done with it ASAP, you won't be. You may get jail time for a second offense of this magnitude.