Caught Shoplifting

[Reddog918]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA, Los Angeles

This was back when i was about 14-16 years old i cant really remember my age but it was some where around that. I got Caught Shoplifting on my way out of a (sorry i forgot the name of the place too) security ran up to me and almost took my head off as they dragged me into the back room. I knew it was for the items i took without paying, but i felt it was a bit over the top. I had marks on my neck for the next 3 days. I was asked to show up in court which i did and the judge was a real bitch about it and made me feel lower than dirt. After that i did community serves for about 48hr and i had to pay $200 to the store.

So now I am 20 years old and i am trying to get a job my friends told me to leave that part out as it will stop me from getting the job because of the background check (so i left it out) they told me it should have cleared out of my record when i turned 18. I would like to know if this is true and if it would show up on the background check.


Thank You.

[asderpolip]

Pardon me, everyone has certainly been the past that are less good, and certainly want to forget it. But sometimes people have different views about our past times and make difficult "us" (as victims). I do not understand the case law that you experienced. Just do not let yourself feel dispirited, keep have a positive view. Hopefully soon you get the right answers. Maybe you can exchange ideas (share) with the lawyers who handle your case...
*acai nutraburst*

[Reddog918]

i didn't have a lawyer i just walked into a small room got yelled at by the judge and i was told to do 48 hr of community serves payed the money and thats it.

Just wanted to know if its still on my record, and yes i have been trying to keep a positive mind about it but its really hard being constantly remanded of what a dumb ass i was its real hard to forget about it, keeps me up at night every now and than.

[tc498]

There a good chance that your record was sealed or expunged,you can go down to the court or police station,you be able to see whats on your record.Sixteen should be considered a juvi and any conviction would be sealed from most places.

[Reddog918]

ow man thank you so much this has been eating away my life for years i think i can get a good night sleep today thank you again

[PandorasBox]

If it has not been expunged or sealed, ask at the courthouse how you proceed to do so. You may need to get a free consult with a Criminal Defense lawyer to guide you through it.

[Reddog918]

tnx for all the info guys i waited tell my job interview and when he said let me take a look at your background my hearth was about to stop but the screen just turned gray and it said all clear so i guess its been sealed off and now no one can take a look at that =D

[PandorasBox]

Honesty is the best way to go on a job application. By making the trip to the courthouse where your case was handled, you will know if you can honestly answer "No".

Remember, if a potential employer sees you were dishonest on an application, they will wonder how honest an employee you will be. If an employer hires you and finds out later, you can be fired. Then later on future job applications, you have to answer and explain that yes, you have been terminated from a job and why. You would also not qualify for Unemployment Benefits (as you lied on the job application).