When I was 15, I was caught shoplifting at Kohls and signed a paper agreeing not to go back. Unfortunately, in the chaos of the moment, I didn't read the whole paper so I don't know what I agreed to. I'm now 18 and want to return- especially for black friday.
I know I was stupid at the time and it's not a mistake I've made since then. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should go about either finding out whether I'm allowed back or any insignt as to how strictly my being banned from the store would be enforced?
2006-11-22 14:11:25 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I'm considering calling a Kohls in a different town- that way, it won't really draw attention to the fact that a former shoplifter may be amongst the one I intend to go to.
2006-11-22 14:14:58 · update #1
I intend to have this letter brought to management: (any comments?)
To Whom It May Concern:
I, (My name), regretfully stole merchandise from the KOHLS store on (street address) in (Town) during June of 2004. I am sincerely remorseful for this irresponsible behavior that I manifested, as it is uncharacteristic of my nature. I am ashamed and offer a wholehearted apology to KOHLS management and the KOHLS community.
The aforementioned incident was the last time that I demonstrated such an inaccurate, negative reflection of my character. At that time I was fifteen years old. I was asked to sign a paper, in which I agreed not to return to KOHLS. I am now eighteen years old and have acquired a significant level of maturity and responsibility. I humbly implore whoever can authorize conditional exception to the three year old agreement to allow me the opportunity to honestly and respectfully begin shopping at KOHLS.
I thank you for your time and consideration
2006-11-22 15:12:42 · update #2
I can't believe only one person came up with:
"How did you sign a contract agreeing to anything when you were under the age of 18?"
It's not valid.
And, I don't think there's any good chance of anybody recognising you.
But.
The answers with "call the store manager, and explain" are not too far off the mark. What you want to say is:
"I know I was stupid at the time and it's not a mistake I've made since then."
I shoplifted a bit of junk when I was 13, on a lark; got caught, got "banned" from that mall, and -- well, that was my first go at it -- and now? I'd forgotten all about it until your question.
What you signed is not a valid contract. And, from the sounds of it, not enforceable under any common law. Just go back.
Top job on never stealing again...!
2006-11-22 15:17:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know that some stores do keep books of people who are not permitted back in the store (remember they have your picture from the security cameras), and security will spot them. After three years, and on the busiest shopping day of the year, it would frankly be surprising if they managed to single you out.
Still, if they did you could be arrested for trespassing (depending how long the ban is, which you don't know/remember, so err on the side of caution for now), so personally I'd abide by the agreement--at least until you can contact the store see if they'll permit you back. Which is NOT something they'll want to spend time talking to you about on black friday.
You should be fine going to a different location, though.
BTW, contrary to what some people are saying, what you signed was not a "contract." It was just an acknowledgement that you had been warned not to return to the store, so that when they catch you there again they can demonstrate to the cops that you knew you weren't supposed to return and were, in fact, trespassing.
2006-11-22 22:19:08 · answer #2 · answered by EQ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Where I work, stores tightly enforce rules relating to shoplifters who have been "trespassed" from a store. As a place of business, and private property, the store management or owners have the right to refuse you access and have you arrested if you break their wishes. Did they take a picture of you when you signed the paperwork? If so, expect that they have a board or book containing pictures of people who have been giving a trespass advisal. On a busy day it is unlikely they will target you, but you never know and a trespassing arrest may not be worth the risk.
My recommendation. Go to the store manager and explain your situation. If it's been three years i suspect they will give you the blessing to spend your money at their store again and all will be well. Its probably a good idea to get the store manager to give you something in writing, with a date, authorizing your return. Then you have a rock solid, built in defense, just in case!
2006-11-22 22:16:43 · answer #3 · answered by James P 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You were 15 nothing you sign is legally binding until you are legally an adult which in most states is 18. I personally wouldn't send them any letter where you admit to any wrong doing. As unlikely as this may be, that letter may be able to be used as evidence against you at a later time. If it is that important to you, contact a lawyer, see what he or she has to say about the matter, and if there is anything that can be done let the lawyer handle it.
2006-11-23 00:30:44 · answer #4 · answered by Kymbo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the state... In most states what you signed is a "trespass notice" which means you agree not to return to that property or you will be tresspassing. Most states by statute limit the length of such notices to 1 year. Check your state laws or email me which state you are in and I can tell you more. In any event don't send them a letter it will only draw attentino to yourself. No one remembers a kid who shoplifted 3 years ago. Do you have any idea how many kids they catch for that every year?
2006-11-23 09:55:45 · answer #5 · answered by Matt B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok i really don't think they will be able to pick you out if you walk in the door the only thing is that your name might be in there computer but that is not likely because there are many people in this county with the name you have. you should not have a problem but just in case you might want to go to a different location.
2006-11-23 01:35:27 · answer #6 · answered by Coconuts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How did you sign a contract agreeing to anything when you were under the age of 18? That's illegal. The contract would have been signed under duress, therefore making it invalid. Even if your parents signed it with you (which I'm not sure if they did or not since you didn't specify that), it would only make them legally liable for it until you're 18 anyways. Outside of that, I'm pretty sure, three years later, you'll be fine. I doubt that they'll recognise you.
2006-11-22 22:17:50 · answer #7 · answered by Euralalya 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
You were a juvenile I dont see how that can affect your adult life. Although I understand there are consequences I dont see why you would have a ban for life for shop-lifting?
I don't think Kohls would have a picture of you hanging up in the store.......We can only hope though
2006-11-22 22:17:02 · answer #8 · answered by bvbw81 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Its been 3 yrs, do you actually think they still remember you? They have thousands of customers every week, go back and I would bet you have no issues from now on. Also, you are an adult, so I think the agreement MIGHT be void. Your juvenile history is sealed when you turn 18.
2006-11-22 22:14:38 · answer #9 · answered by Falling to pieces 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
what you signed was probably a restraining order stating not to go in the store for 1 year, that is usually for first offense for a minor in most major retailers, I say walk in...most of the people probably have different jobs now and they do not keep a poster of your mug at every register or anything.
2006-11-22 22:14:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋