Just Got Caught Shoplifting, What Do I Do

[LaxMan55]

I just got got shoplifting a text book worth around $230, I am extremely nervous and this is my first shoplifting offense. This happened in the state of Colorado at my school bookstore. I have a few questions, I'm pretty sure in order to qualify for diversions you need a clean record for the previous year or two. I don't think I will qualify for this, but other than the given court fee's, how will I know if they issue me a civic demand? The store did not mention anything, just called the cops and they wrote me up for a "38-51.5 Shoplifting" citation.
- How much can I be expecting to pay total?
- Will I have to pay the bookstore?
- Will the value of the book mean anything to the prosecutor?
- Will I be on probation?
Thank you for your help and I have certainly learned my lesson. I hope no one ever tries shoplifting again simply to avoid this anxiety...

[PandorasBox]

How much can I be expecting to pay total?

Too many variables to say, but...
$250 minimum for Civil Demand. Usually it's a figure of X times Amount Stolen or Minimum of ($ amount)
Since cops were called, expect court: Atleast $300 in fines and costs.
More money if you need a lawyer or public defender.



- Will I have to pay the bookstore?
They will likely send you a Civil Demand (as mentioned above)

- Will the value of the book mean anything to the prosecutor?
(yes).

- Will I be on probation?
(hard to say, but expect to pay court costs and fines, at the very least). Oh yes...and don't even ask if your college will know....

[LaxMan55]

Is it really that bad just to plea guilty? I've heard from a number of people most jobs ask about just felonies. I guess I am really wondering how bad it looks on your record.

Does anyone have previous examples of a shoplifting record preventing them from a job? Please share anything would help, thanks..

[Dogmatique]

Is it really that bad just to plea guilty? I've heard from a number of people most jobs ask about just felonies. I guess I am really wondering how bad it looks on your record.

Does anyone have previous examples of a shoplifting record preventing them from a job? Please share anything would help, thanks..

I can promise you that many employers want to know about any convictions, be it misdemeanor OR felony. How much weight they put on this information is impossible to predict.

Obviously if you are trying to get a job involving retail or finance, you'd be at a distinct disadvantage.

[PandorasBox]

By pleading Guilty, you leave the judges hands tied and he has to give you the maximum sentence.

By pleading Not Guilty or I Stand Mute - your lawyer or public defender will have a chance at negotiating a deal for you, which you would plea guilty to. For example, my case - I ended up with "Disorderly Person", which is still a misdemeanor, but a lesser charge, and looks better than "Retail Fraud" on a job application.

As for jobs: Pretty much anything that involves handling money is out, along with retail.

However...I applied for a Real Estate license application, and I got it. I had to go through extra hurdles to get approved, including getting Certified Copies of Judgment from the court, writing an explanation, and getting Letters of Recommendation from friends and former employers.

[LaxMan55]

I know I cant afford a lawyer, I am a student who makes about $3,000 a year.
Will I qualify for a public defender? I'm hoping to just plea guilty and have the prosecutor lower the charge.

Pandora, did you hire an attorney to lesson your charge? I have been through the legal system before and usually if you know what your doing with the prosecutor you can negotiate some sort of deal.

[PandorasBox]

I hired a lawyer, yes.

You said you have been through the legal system before...if you have a prior record, getting a lawyer is a good idea.

[Ant29]

-________________-
Look. Here's what I do. I don't buy from the bookstore because they are a ripoff! Instead, I go to the bookstore, write the ISBN numbers, and go online. I save a lot that way. What is with threads about stealing books from college bookstores? What about filing for financial aid or something? That's what I did. I used the aid money to buy my books at the store before one of my professors told me a nice tip of getting my school books for a very cheap price. Since then, I saved a lot and I had more aid money until the next check came in.

[PandorasBox]

Ok, I have not done college in a while, but when I did...

- See if your Student Book Store has used text books.

- See if the book is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc.

[Ant29]

Ok, I have not done college in a while, but when I did...

- See if your Student Book Store has used text books.

- See if the book is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc.

The bookstore does carry used text books, but some of them, depending on the subject, have a lot of scratches and marks.

Before Spring 2010 semester started, I saw a ton of used Single Variable Calculus books with nasty scratches and bumps all over the place.

If the book is available at another store, they may charge higher or lower, so I go online because it's always cheaper.