Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Shoplifted in CA years ago, 1st and only ever offense.

[rtfstressedout]

Hi,

I was caught shoplifting in a retail music/video retail store chain in CA about 6 years ago (I was over 21), but there was no police involved and there was no civil demand letter sent; all that happened was I confessed on site, asked for forgiveness in the small room in the back, sign forms that agreed to a store ban, and be allowed to pay in full for the $50 merchandise I stole.

I learned my lesson then and has since then tried to be a law abiding citizen; I didn't even set foot in the chain again. I thought I have let this event be buried in my past, but recently it came to haunt me when I was filling out a background check form for a new job I am looking for. The question "Have you ever been convicted/arrested?" has caused me a lot of stress lately.

I answered "No" to the question because I thought there was no official arrest/conviction but I am afraid that this event in my past has remained on my criminal record which I didn't get to check and then I will be denied of the job due to not being honest...

So here are my couple of questions:
1. Was I convicted/arrested back then even though no police was involved and there were no citations and arrests?
2. I have not received any Civil Demand letters and court documents since then, so should I assume that there were no records left except the retail store blacklist?
3. Will an extensive background check be able to dig out this incident?

Any reply would be great, thanks!

 

[thelawjournal]

1. Was I convicted/arrested back then even though no police was involved and there were no citations and arrests?
Yes you were arrested. Teh arrest was a citizens arrest but there is no record unless Police are called. There is no conviction unless charges are filed and you go to court
2. I have not received any Civil Demand letters and court documents since then, so should I assume that there were no records left except the retail store blacklist?
Assume nothing! If the store belongs to a retail theft database its possible there is a record there
3. Will an extensive background check be able to dig out this incident?
Without Police involvment not likely

 

[rtfstressedout]

Wow thanks for the swift response! Really appreciate it.

So now I have a couple more questions:
1. How long does the retail theft database retain a personal record?
2. Is the retail theft database open to the public?

Thanks for the time.

 

[thelawjournal]

1. How long does the retail theft database retain a personal record?
About 7 years give or take
2. Is the retail theft database open to the public?
No its open only to subscribers


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