Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Caught Shoplifting, Will They Look for Past Occurrences?

[aev2005]

Ok, so first I have to day that this all had been a huge wake up call and this girl will never ever steal again. I know how wrong it is and I am horribly ashamed and embarrassed that I've done it.

Yesterday I was caught for stealing a shirt ($40). I walked out of the store with it on and was spotted by loss prevention and a cop. I had no intention of stealing when I went into the store and had the money to pay for it. I don't even know why I did it. I was very cooperative and honest, so they cited and released me.

In scheduled to go to court in a few weeks and have an attorney. I have stolen from a competitor in the past. My question is, will they look back through old security footage to see if I've ever done this before and bring that evidence to court? I imagine that would take some significant time to do and is pretty unlikely, but I have no clue.

Also, the officer said I would be recommended for a diversion program and this would be dropped from my record upon completion. Any idea on how long this usually takes?

Thanks in advance!


\\\REMOVED STORE NAMES to PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY///

 

[army judge]

Ok, so first I have to day that this all had been a huge wake up call and this girl will never ever steal again. I know how wrong it is and I am horribly ashamed and embarrassed that I've done it.

Yesterday I was caught for stealing a shirt ($40). I walked out of the store with it on and was spotted by loss prevention and a cop. I had no intention of stealing when I went into the store and had the money to pay for it. I don't even know why I did it. I was very cooperative and honest, so they cited and released me.

In scheduled to go to court in a few weeks and have an attorney. I have stolen from a competitor in the past. My question is, will they look back through old security footage to see if I've ever done this before and bring that evidence to court? I imagine that would take some significant time to do and is pretty unlikely, but I have no clue.

Also, the officer said I would be recommended for a diversion program and this would be dropped from my record upon completion. Any idea on how long this usually takes?

Thanks in advance!


\\\REMOVED STORE NAMES to PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY///

If you have previous convictions, you darn betcha the prosecutor will take that into account.
If your past encounters were handled outside of the court system, you have no prior convictions, so that won't play into how this could end
Bottom line, if this is your first encounter with the criminal justice system, diversion is likely a consideration.
That will simply lessen your immediate pain, eliminate jail time, and permit probation, and community service.
They'll want money for fines, fees, and costs, too.
But, your name will be stained.
Make sure you fully understand what diversion is and what it isn't.
That discussion is best had with your attorney.
You need to know that NONE of this will be a secret, and its likely to show up on background and employment checks.
Only a full pardon will remove the stain and stench it creates for you.
Diversion isn't a pardon, and a pardon you'll never obtain, so this will be permanent.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Unless they have a reason to research old CCTV and if they even still have it. It sounds like your worried about thefts not caught on yet. Keep your mouth shut about this don't name store or blab all over about priors and hopefully this can go easily for you. Ask your Lawyer about ACD or Diversion as plea options.