I am 18, caught shoplifting with a friend. Please tell me what I should do to get rid of a permanent record.?

Question

Yes I know this is wrong and if you're gonna tell me that **** then it's not helping. My friend and I were caught at the Bay for shoplifting of items between $400- $500. We both had bags that we took previously from the same store. Some staff at the Bay interrogated us and they were really good at it, trust me. I told them this was our third time at their store. Bad, I know.They took pictures of us 3 times. We were banned from the Bay and any other associated stores for LIFE and the mall for a year. And we were to return the stolen merchandise the day after the day we got caught. The police were called we were both given a ticket showing the dates to get our fingerprints recorded and go to court. As I don't have a job and have no real way of income a lawyer won't be an option for me. Is there a way that I can avoid a permanent record ( community service)? And if not, then I guess the best question would be does every employer check criminal records or does it automatically pop up?

i am getting mixed ideas about the permanent record. is it permanent or 7 years?

Answer 1

It's a little too late for keeping your record clean. In your area there is a Pro Bono program. Look in the phone book, online or call the clerk of the court.

This program will hook you up with a one time free consultation with a lawyer and usually a good one. From there the lawyer will tell you what to do and if he says get a lawyer they will usually charge you on a ability to pay basis.

You got a ticket so it is a misdomeaner which means you face less than a year. If you end up going to court do NOT stand in front of the judge and cry. Hold your head up, be polite but not syrupy, contrite but not kiss up.

Give the judge a serious and honest apology, I won't do it again, I needed the stuff to get by 'cause of no job, I just lost my mind and I don't know why I did it.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Because this is a civil matter, it will not go away when she turns 18. If she refuses to pay, they can file a lawsuit in small claims court. If they do, it will have an adverse affect on her credit rating and may prevent her from getting any type of loan, including a student loan. Your friend got very lucky they didn't press charges and should consider taking advantage of this. If she pays, there will be no public record. If the file a lawsuit in small claims, it will be public record and will make it very hard for her to get a job. Walmart will not provide the proof at her demand. They will only provide it in court, and at that point it will be too late.

Answer 3

You need to get a public defender at the very least. But no, there is no way to get it off your record without an attorney. Places like McDonalds probably don't check, but the better employers all do criminal background check and it will be a problem for you to get a really good job for a few years. Once you get older, if you have some evidence to show you have worked hard to turn your life around, it will generally be overlooked because of your age when it happened. But there is no way to just 'get rid of it'. That is the kind of thing you're supposed to think of before you do something like this.

Answer 4

Your 18 there's nothing you can due, Even later in life you can get a lawyer and have it expunged of your record. But unforchanly even city or county jobs will find out about this. Just don't do it again. And you will be fine.

I have a misdemeanor on my record from when I was 19 and I even went to jail for 3 days and it was real stupid. And I learned my lesson from that. And I went in to the county and told them upfront about it and I did get the job.

Don't lye about it!!!!!
P.s. I'm a Police Dispatcher for the Sheriffs department.

Answer 5

Since you don't have money for an attorney, the court will appoint you a public defender. When you go to court, dress appropriately. No jeans, open toed or tennis shoes, or skimpy tops. Wear nice slacks/skirt, blouse. Remove nose or tongue piercings for your appearance in court. Always address the court as judge or your honor and "yes sir/mam, no sir/mam. It show respect for the court. Let the court know that you're remorseful for your actions.

Since this is your first offense, the judge may give you a fine, court cost & community service. They may also rule that if you don't get into any more trouble, you can get your record expunged after a period of time.

Good Luck

Answer 6

You may be able to avoid a permanent record, but what do you care?
You go around shoplifting hundreds of dollars worth of stuff?
You have no job, so why worry about employers?
you aren't planning to get a job, who are you kidding?
Maybe you figure that you have to get a job now that you're shoplifting days may be over?
Why don't you apply for public aid?

Answer 7

If you apply to work at an airport, or daycare, etc., expect a records check.

Otherwise, it might not be an issue.

When you go to court, ask the judge if there is a way to clean your record. Or even ask at the police station beforehand.

Some colleges have a legal aid service - some legal student might be able to advise you for free.

- An Ontario resident.

Answer 8

Im sorry once your over 18 its on your record maybe later in life you might be able to get a lawyer to help remove it. Do the crime you get the record it dont matter how bad you feel or even if you pain your debt to society they will always mark you as a criminal and its sad. Not all employers check criminal records but some do you will just have to hope you luck out.

Answer 9

my old job was catching shoplifters and believe me, theres really not much you can do. people have spent months in jail for stealing jeans.

Answer 10

Move out and start afresh - into a new leaf - no more bad habits.