Shoplifting from work

[BSFennell]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona

I was arrested for shoplifting from my work for approximately $300 dollars worth of items. I admitting to it and i returned all items back to the store. I was taken into custody. Fingerprinted and then released. This is my first offense of anything. I don't have the money to get a lawyer and just plan to go in and plead guilty because i did do it. What penalties will i be looking at?

 

[justalayman]

have you been officially charged with a specific crime? If so, what?

 

[BSFennell]

Theft

On my court sheet it just says "Theft" and then has criminal check next to it.

 

[Country Living]

You're going to have a criminal record. You're going to have a hard time finding "good" employment because no one wants to hire a thief. You'll be completely locked out of some jobs and some professional certifications, including, but not limited, to the financial sector.

What were you thinking???

 

[kristindavis07]

you might want to get a lawyer so it doesnt be on your record bc your gonna have a hard time getting a job with theft on your record

 

[BSFennell]

Jail time

my main concern is jail time. Im willing to work community service and everything and I have an outstanding military history with an honorable discharge. I was wounded in iraq and im forced to be on everything from Alzheimer's medicine, anxiety, depression, sleep, and pain medication which probably doesn't help the situation. I've been told not to worry about jail from many people and attorneys but the threat is still there. I didn't know if anyone else had any experience in this matter.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

One might have felt a bit sorry for you worrying so much about jail time...until your attempt to justify your choice to shoplift by blaming the military, being wounded and having been put on medication. Such thinly veiled attempts to justify what you did does a disservice to other vets and you should be ashamed.

And no, you won't go to jail because of this. You will receive a hefty fine.

Gail

 

[Country Living]

my main concern is jail time. Im willing to work community service and everything and I have an outstanding military history with an honorable discharge. I was wounded in iraq and im forced to be on everything from Alzheimer's medicine, anxiety, depression, sleep, and pain medication which probably doesn't help the situation. I've been told not to worry about jail from many people and attorneys but the threat is still there. I didn't know if anyone else had any experience in this matter.

I was thinking you were remorseful until you blamed your actions on everything from the military to sleep deprivation to pain medication. You should have stayed with the "I did the wrong thing".

 

[BSFennell]

im not blaming the military, im simply stating my whole situation to get a better answer. One who isn't on certain medications is going to have a clear mind and probably not do something stupid like i did. If i wanted a pity trip i would have told you how my wife committed suicide in december. I just would like to know what is going to happen to me. This is an advice forum, not a personal bashing forum.

 

[Country Living]

You have your answer.

You should be aware your explanations come across as excuses. You would be better off if you just took responsibility for your actions instead of saying you were on meds and didn't have a clear mind. A lot of people are on meds or have situations such as you went through and haven't stolen anything.

Compounding all this is you did it at your place of employment which should have cost you your job.

 

[BSFennell]

I came up with the money for an attorney and why does he want all of my medical documents then? Im so confused!!!!

 

[Isis1]

I came up with the money for an attorney and why does he want all of my medical documents then? Im so confused!!!!

he's grasping. at least it's to help you. not to hurt you.