Can my employer come after me for stealing ifI quit?
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Can my employer come after me for stealing ifI quit?
I have heard from a reliable source that I could be getting fired for theft; not much was taken. I think that they probably have me on camera but I was wondering if I quit before they can fire me, can they still come after me? I know it was stupid to do and don’t want a criminal record.
Asked on October 24, 2011 under Criminal Law, Nebraska
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
1) If you stole money, you can be sued for the amount you stole, and it doesn't matter whether you are still working there, fired, quit, etc. The status of your employment has nothing at all to do with whether or not they can sue you. If you stole, you *can* be sued--if it's a small amount, they may choose to not do so (not worth their time) but they would have the right to take legal action.
2) Wholly separate from being sued to recover the money, if you stole, they can alert the police and press charges. Again, whether or not you are still employed by them has nothing to do this; also, they can press charges even if they choose to not sue you. If charges are pressed, definitely get a criminal defense attorney to represent you.
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