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First Shoplifting Offense in Washington

On Lawyer & Legal » criminal law & procedure

6,750 words with 8 Comments; publish: Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:48:00 GMT; (800110.35, « »)

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington State

I was caught shoplifting at the University Bookstore in Seattle. I was detained outside of the bookstore by the LP and walked back into the back room with them. I had my picture taken and told not to come back into the bookstore for 7 years. What I wanted to know was what kind of punishment do you think I'm likely to face? Will they send me a court summons at a later date? I know they will be sending me a letter for civil demand. Also if i do have to go to court what are my options to not get this on my record(if any?) Thanks for looking and replying.

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  • 8 Comments
    • I am in the exact same situation. I took a pair of shorts worth under 50 dollars. I was cuffed and taken upstairs. They wrote down my husky ID, and drivers lisence. They then sent papers to be prosecuted to the PD immediately. I am now waiting for the restitution bill to come ($242 dollars) and my court date. I am looking to hire an attorney. Could you elaborate on your situation?
      #1; Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:02:00 GMT
    • Quoting
      Let me clarify with so more information. item i stole was a sweatshirt with value of ~50 dollars. I'm pretty sure PD was not called but they did make a phone call to check if i had any prior warrants. So you're saying there is a very slim chance this doesn't go on my record as theft? I'm scared for this because of future employment decisions.
      We cant read minds of victim. If they pursue criminal charges expect a visit, call or, letter from Police or DA
      #2; Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:03:00 GMT
    • Quoting
      hi, can you please tell me what else happened? I had the same thing happen to me. i stole a uw jersey from the bookstore and got caught. I got my court date but i dont know what i should do. please tell me what you did and your process cause i am really scared.
      \

      Okay, let's stop this right now.

      This is the second thread you have hijacked.

      Please stop.

      #3; Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:38:00 GMT
    • Quoting
      I am in the exact same situation. I took a pair of shorts worth under 50 dollars. I was cuffed and taken upstairs. They wrote down my husky ID, and drivers lisence. They then sent papers to be prosecuted to the PD immediately. I am now waiting for the restitution bill to come ($242 dollars) and my court date. I am looking to hire an attorney. Could you elaborate on your situation?
      hi, can you please tell me what else happened? I had the same thing happen to me. i stole a uw jersey from the bookstore and got caught. I got my court date but i dont know what i should do. please tell me what you did and your process cause i am really scared.
      #4; Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:30:00 GMT
    • Let me clarify with so more information. item i stole was a sweatshirt with value of ~50 dollars. I'm pretty sure PD was not called but they did make a phone call to check if i had any prior warrants. So you're saying there is a very slim chance this doesn't go on my record as theft? I'm scared for this because of future employment decisions.
      #5; Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:10:00 GMT
    • Quote:
      Let me clarify with so more information. item i stole was a sweatshirt with value of ~50 dollars. I'm pretty sure PD was not called but they did make a phone call to check if i had any prior warrants.
      It doesn't sound like the PD was involved, so the chances of

      court are unlikely

      Restitution will be in the form of a Civil Demand

      Quote:
      So you're saying there is a very slim chance this doesn't go on my record as theft? I'm scared for this because of future employment decisions.
      If no criminal court is involved, there is no record

      Pay the Civil Demand promptly and take away from this a lesson learned

      #6; Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:54:00 GMT
    • Were police involved?

      If the PD were involved there may or may not be a criminal charge

      If not it is likely a civil demand will be the only penalty required

      Quote:
      What I wanted to know was what kind of punishment do you think I'm likely to face?
      Unknown

      Quote:
      Will they send me a court summons at a later date?
      Maybe

      Quote:
      I know they will be sending me a letter for civil demand
      Pay it

      Quote:
      Also if i do have to go to court what are my options to not get this on my record(if any?)
      Slim
      #7; Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:03:00 GMT
    • Quoting
      My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington State

      I was caught shoplifting at the University Bookstore in Seattle. I was detained outside of the bookstore by the LP and walked back into the back room with them. I had my picture taken and told not to come back into the bookstore for 7 years. What I wanted to know was what kind of punishment do you think I'm likely to face? Will they send me a court summons at a later date? I know they will be sending me a letter for civil demand. Also if i do have to go to court what are my options to not get this on my record(if any?) Thanks for looking and replying.

      You don't say if you are a student - if you are, a report would be sent to the campus police department and the Dean's office. I don't know what the process is at your college, if you're a student, but you could face some type of school based disciplinary action.
      #8; Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:12:00 GMT