Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Civil v. Criminal

[slacx]

Hello,

I was recently caught for stealing product from my employer in the range of $180 which is a class three misdemeanor in Washington. I did admit to stealing orally, but refused to write down what had happened or sign any documents; and was then escorted from the store.

At this point the information is being forwarded to the LP dept. and they will proceed from there.

My foremost worry at now is whether I will be brought to court in such a way that this event will show up in a back ground check for any future jobs.

Since I was not arrested, it is my understanding that I cannot be charged criminally, however is it possible that I can still be charged civilly, and if so wouldn't this appear on a background check?

 

[thelawjournal]

You understood wrong. Just because Loss Prevention or Police did not arrest you does not mean they cannot charge you. They can still pursue criminal charges. In fact its the norm for internal cases to see criminal charges and have them get their monies back through restitution

 

[StoreDetectiveVet]

Loss Prevention is just gathering their evidence. Videos, paperwork etc. and since you admitted to it verbally that can also go against you. Possibly expect both criminal and civil.

 

[slacx]

Thanks for both of your responses.

A bit of an update to the situation. I received my official termination paperwork the other day, and it lists the reason for my termination as "inappropriate workplace behavior" which "violated the business conduct policy".

I'm going to speak with HR to see if my termination can be revised from non-voulantary to voluntary as I provided a letter of resignation the day before the termination letter is dated. If this does not work out, I'll explore if I am eligible to file for unemployment in my state since the termination reason is not worded as something similar to theft or gross misconduct.

Based on the responses I received, I am expecting legal notification in the next few months.

 

[thelawjournal]

You might not want to do that. By quitting you will be disqualified for UI benefits. Fact your termination does not read theft is big plus for future jobs although it still hurts.

 

[thelawjournal]

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