I am 18, made a decision I regret, and got ticketed for shoplifting-Help!?

Question

Hi,

3 days ago I made a decision I really regret. I tried shoplifting, got caught (of course) and was issued a fine of 231. It was my first (and last) offense of any kind.

I was with friends, my best friend who is 17 (also fined), and I am 18.

My questions are: exactly how is this crime classified

what are the guidelines for getting it erased from your record

how much worse does it look for me since I had just turned 18, as opposed to being a younger teenager?

I will soon be looking for a new job since I am moving to college, and I would like to know how this will affect that.

Any help/info you may think is useful that I haven't asked a question for would be appreciated, as fast as possible. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

It will probably affect your upcoming jobs for a while...especially if they run a background check.

The best you can do is be completely honest about it.

Answer 2

The best thing that you can do when you apply for a job is be upfront and honest about your brush with the law as they will find out about it if they run a check on you. You will need to persuade an employer that this was out of character and will never happen again.

As for your offence, I don't know how American law views such a crime, but in the UK it would be treated as a misdemeanor, and as a first offence, you would probably just get a small fine, however, you would have a criminal record.

Answer 3

To really put your mind at ease, you should speak to an attorney.  Laws vary state by state, and to have a criminal record can be very damaging to your future, so ask someone who can really give you a solid answer.