Retail Theft in Pennsylvania

[pishfish]

Pennsylvania

My daughter was involved in an incident with friends where they all got caught in retail theft. Each one of them got ticketed by the police and i was informed that this ticket is very similiar to a traffice ticket and we have to report to the District Maj. and plead either guilty or not guilty. My daughter had less than $50 of merchandise on her and unfortunately was hanging out with the wrong girls and collapsed to the peer pressure which really doesnt matter cause she is guilty. My question is will this be on her record? The 4 guys were all between the ages of 14 and 15 years old. Typicall what is the outcome of meeting in front of the District Maj. will it just be a fine? community service and my biggest concern what does this do to her record especially applying for future colleges. Do I need to hire an attorney?

 

[sandyclaus]

Pennsylvania

My daughter was involved in an incident with friends where they all got caught in retail theft. Each one of them got ticketed by the police and i was informed that this ticket is very similiar to a traffice ticket and we have to report to the District Maj. and plead either guilty or not guilty. My daughter had less than $50 of merchandise on her and unfortunately was hanging out with the wrong girls and collapsed to the peer pressure which really doesnt matter cause she is guilty. My question is will this be on her record? The 4 guys were all between the ages of 14 and 15 years old. Typicall what is the outcome of meeting in front of the District Maj. will it just be a fine? community service and my biggest concern what does this do to her record especially applying for future colleges. Do I need to hire an attorney?

Yes, you need to hire her an attorney. NOW.

Yes, it's very likely this will end up on her record.

Shoplifting is theft and a criminal offense no matter how much a person steals. However, the actual charges are determined by the amount and value of the merchandise stolen. What that amount is varies from state to state. For example, shoplifting is generally considered a misdemeanor (petit theft or larceny) if the value of the merchandise is less than $200 - $500.

Which shoplifting laws and penalties apply to your case is determined by the police and/or the prosecutor. The final charge is based on the facts of the case collected by the store where you were caught. In addition to the value of the merchandise you stole, the specific charge and the seriousness of the charge can vary widely depending on many others things including your criminal background, your history of retail theft and whether or not you had proper identification and cooperated when you were caught.

But in many states and jurisdictions, the police, prosecutors and judges have the option to offer first-time offenders an opportunity to complete community service, an education program or other type of alternative sentencing program in lieu of a harsher sentence. In fact, if a person completes an education program before going to court, many judges and prosecutors will take this into consideration at sentencing.

You should also be aware that most states allow not only for criminal charges in these cases, but also for civil demands. They vary by state, but will usually run around $250 or more. This is in addition to any fines or criminal penalties. The amount of the merchandise stolen is irrelevant - this flat rate demand applies without regard to the amount stolen and is set by statute, so it is non-negotiable.

 

[stealth2]

Your daughter should also be aware that her employment options will be limited as she goes through HS (and possibly beyond). No retailer is going to be interested in hiring a thief.

 

[cyjeff]

You should also be aware that she will be responsible for the total amount stolen not just the amount found on her if she is linked to the other thieves as part of a coordinated effort.

 

[cbg]

Your daughter should also be aware that her employment options will be limited as she goes through HS (and possibly beyond). No retailer is going to be interested in hiring a thief.

Even McDonalds may hire her to wrap burgers, but she shouldn't expect to handle the cash register.

 

[Alex1176]

Pennsylvania

My daughter was involved in an incident with friends where they all got caught in retail theft. Each one of them got ticketed by the police and i was informed that this ticket is very similiar to a traffice ticket and we have to report to the District Maj. and plead either guilty or not guilty. My daughter had less than $50 of merchandise on her and unfortunately was hanging out with the wrong girls and collapsed to the peer pressure which really doesnt matter cause she is guilty. My question is will this be on her record? The 4 guys were all between the ages of 14 and 15 years old. Typicall what is the outcome of meeting in front of the District Maj. will it just be a fine? community service and my biggest concern what does this do to her record especially applying for future colleges. Do I need to hire an attorney?

1. You must hire an attorney.
2. If the worst scenario will happened and she will convicted, you have the option to ask a juvenile court to expunge the records in the future (several years from the conviction). But she will need to behave like an angel from heaven all those years to get this huge favor from the judge.

 

[stealth2]

Even McDonalds may hire her to wrap burgers, but she shouldn't expect to handle the cash register.

In this economy, I don't know a single retailer who would bother bringing on a thief as an employee. There are plenty of other, honest, options out there.

 

[Cali408nia]

In this economy, I don't know a single retailer who would bother bringing on a thief as an employee. There are plenty of other, honest, options out there.

This is irrelevant to the topic at hand, but, even in this economy, it's not that easy to find hard working, trustworthy individuals. The ones who are looking for work are looking for a reason. This is just my first hand experience of trying to hire people. Of course Craigslist job ads don't attract the most savory individuals.

 

[I'mTheFather]

This is irrelevant to the topic at hand, but, even in this economy, it's not that easy to find hard working, trustworthy individuals. The ones who are looking for work are looking for a reason. This is just my first hand experience of trying to hire people. Of course Craigslist job ads don't attract the most savory individuals.

Do retailers advertise on Craigslist now???

 

[Cali408nia]

Do retailers advertise on Craigslist now???

Yes, quite a few. Check it out for yourself.

 

[I'mTheFather]

Yes, quite a few. Check it out for yourself.

Okay, I did. You're right, there are quite a few retail jobs there, although they seem to be small retailers. That is, I didn't see any jobs posted by Macy's, BBB, or Target.

Truthfully, if I needed help, I would advertise in the newspaper, just for the reason you implied. Costs more, but I think it would be worth it.

 

[davew128]

Truthfully, if I needed help, I would advertise in the newspaper, just for the reason you implied. Costs more, but I think it would be worth it.

Newspapers still have classified ads??? Most of the jobs or contracts I have had over the last 5 years have been found on CL.

 

[I'mTheFather]

Newspapers still have classified ads??? Most of the jobs or contracts I have had over the last 5 years have been found on CL.

Alright, you've just outed me as the old codger that I am. You are damned.

 

[cbg]

The ones who are looking for work are looking for a reason.

That is perhaps one of the most offensive statements I've seen on here. There are more than a few people who were laid off through no fault of their own when the economy collapsed and have not been able to find new work because the recovery is not complete. To imply that everyone who is out of work is out of work for incompetence or dishonesty is...well...insulting.

And no, I am not out of work.

 

[stealth2]

LOL Our only advertising is via a sign in our window. Even after we weed out the ones with records, the ones who aren't willing to - stock shelves, help customers, come in on time and/or smoke in designated area (yes, people actually tell us they won't do these things) - we still have a pretty healthy stack of apps to choose from. These days, most are from older folks trying to keep their heads above water after a lay-off, college kids working their way through school, and HS kids getting ready to do the same. We don't hire many. Those we do? We hold on to. The average length of service in our store? Over 6 years.