Hello All,
I want to introduce myself to the members of this forum as well as share my story of my shoplifting arrest. Let this serve as a "cautionary tale" and/or a story of "self-resurrection".
My life took a dramatic "wrong turn" on February 20th, 2009. On that day I was arrested for shoplifting-retail theft at JC Penny's in Illinois. I had made it out of the door when I felt a hand on my elbow saying "ma'am, this is loss prevention,please come with me"). I was busted trying to steal a $92 dress and "switching out" a pair of $84 boots....switching the old pair with a new pair.
I was placed in handcuffs. I'm a full figured woman so they hurt like hell. Not to mention that I was crying my eyes out at this point, trying to plead my case, offering to pay for what I stole. No dice. I was arrested and charged. I posted bond the next day, and 13 days later, I received a Civil Demand for $500. Which I paid promptly (taking the money off a credit card).
I called around Illinois to find me a lawyer that I could "afford", as I made too much money from unemployment ( former car dealership title clerk) to qualify to receive a Public Defender.
I found a lawyer, who went with me to my preliminary hearing. He offered to take my case for $2400. I jumped at that chance.
He negotiated a plea deal with the DA. I would plead to "Disorderly Person-Disorderly Conduct", pay court cost and fines ($679) and the matter would be over. And I would have his on my record for life. My lawyer told me to take the deal. Which I did.
I accept full and total responsibility for my actions that day. I am in counseling to determine what would make me shoplift-be a common thief.
So, over $3700 , 3 court appearances, 1 night in jail, and a "banned=threat of trespass order" from JC Penny's for life, my case is over. Now the real work begins (on my life).
But I want to thank you Pandora, as reading your story, listening to you compassionate responses to others in our situation and the fact that you found a great job after your case gave me the will to live. Thanks to you, I learned that my life is not over at the age of 36 because of one poor decision.
I have been unemployed-living with my aunt (whom is a b^^^^ on wheels at times.) But thanks to your advice on how to answer that "particular" question on a job application, I have found a new job, a new passion that I love!! I am a preschool teacher now.
When my director asked me why did I write "please see me-ask me directly" to that particular question on the application, I told her the truth and nothing but the truth. I told her the where, the when of my incident. She then responded , "well let me think-pray" about this and I will get back to you. Two days later, she called me to come into the center. Her words were "welcome to our center". And she hugged me, and told me "it was ok". That God forgives and he is the only one who can judge. I was so humbled by her understanding-forgiveness that I cried.
Whatever you want to steal, it isn't worth it.
Reformed Teacher

