Do I have a criminal record after being detained for shoplifting but not arrested?
Question Details:
I am 19. I just got caught shoplifting in the amount of $41 I was detained by store security and not arrested. No phone calls were made and I never saw any cops but I signed a document saying that I was treated fairly while I was detained and that I was who I said I was and that I tried to steal. Is this just a store record or do I now have a criminal record? Is this now an admission of guilt in a charge that's only punishment is a record which could be detrimental to my future application to jobs?
Criminal Defense Law Answers
Since you were not taken into custody or officially arrested by law enforcement, you don't have to worry about having a criminal record. It appears to be a record only for the store. This can be used in the future if you are caught shoplifting again in that same store.
Usually, you will have a criminal record when you are actually convicted of a crime. For purposes of job applications, you are usually asked about official arrests and convictions. You were lucky this time so don't do it again. You are too young to have a criminal record. With a record for theft, you will have very limited employment opportunities. This is a "mistake" that will follow you for a long time.
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