Shoplifting Question

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2003
Shoplifting Question
7
Wed, 08-16-2006 - 2:38pm
It's been quite a while since I've checked in with this board but I have a quick question. My 16 year old daughter was caught shoplifting $17 worth of make-up from Wal-Mart last December. Needless to say, she was found guilty, repented, wrote an apology letter and paid the fine of $170. We were told that this was considered a "summary offense" and that she'll have this on her record until she's 70! Can this be true? I realize different states have different laws but I can't believe a child will have to live the results of what was a stupid mistake for the rest of her life. Has anyone had any experiences with shoplifting and its legal ramifications? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2006
Wed, 08-16-2006 - 2:49pm

Who told you this? Was it someone at the court you went to? Since I do not know where you live, I would recommend contacting your state bar association. Sometimes they offer pro bono services or will refer you to someone who can easily answer your question. If you don't know how to reach your state bar, you can probably do a google search and find the phone number.

Good luck!
Amelia

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2003
Wed, 08-16-2006 - 3:02pm
Last week we contacted a lawyer who is looking into the matter. Both my husband and my daughter heard the judge repeat this during their trial. The judge wanted to dismiss the case given certain circumstances but Wal-Mart would not hear of it. Strange as it seems, I have nothing in writing concerning her record, just the court order to appear, and then the payment plan to pay the fine. Was the judge "joking"? It's distressing all of us, especially my daughter as she looking to find a part-time job. She's worried about the application and background checks. Again, she's a good daughter who made one bad mistake.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2006
Wed, 08-16-2006 - 4:22pm

Good! Hopefully your lawyer will be able to help you with this. Every jurisdiction is different, and I can't give you any legal advice on this board, sorry!

Anyway, good luck!

Amelia

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2006
Wed, 08-23-2006 - 2:47pm

Any word, yet, on whether the charge will actually stay on her record until she's 70? What did your lawyer find out for you? Is your dd feeling any better about the situation (i.e. is she putting it behind her)?

Was thinking about you, and just wondered what happened.

Amelia

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2005
Thu, 08-24-2006 - 8:16am

Shoplifting $17 worth of stuff would be a "summary offense". Which basically is a "petty" crime which can be tried without a jury.

Most summary offenses stay on the states records for 5-7 years. It all depends on the state.

stacy

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-17-2005
Thu, 08-24-2006 - 1:31pm

Lisa,
That sounds ridiculous. I know laws vary from state to state, but is not a general rule that any type of offense committed while a minor is expunged at age 21? I would call a lawyer.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-20-2005
Thu, 08-24-2006 - 4:51pm
My FIL had a summary offense against him. It was removed from his record after a year. Maybe the judge said 17 and they misunderstood and thought he said 70. Hopefully a lawyer can easily clear this up.