This is really humiliating, and I can't even look at myself, but I will not ever do something like this again. I was caught with $48 worth of merchandise in a grocery store in NYC, I had to sign a confession and was told I would receive a summons in the mail that would have a fine I would have to pay. I've never had any legal trouble... will I need to appear in court with this summons? What is the maximum fine I could be faced with? I've been laid off for 7 months and this stupid act is really going to make things worse. Will I have a tarnished background check for future employment? Can anyone give me some advice/answers?

If it is turned into the police, you will get a notice to get fingerprinted and photo'ed. Then you would be given a court date. And of course a fine is normally about the worst you will get, but if you have a criminal history, you can even get jail time for this. And the worst will be a criminal record, if you don't get into some level of diversion program.

Now it is likely that they did not turn it over to the police, and you will merely get a civil notice from the store for a payment of 200 to 300 dollars.

Thanks Fr Chuck. No criminal record; certainly don't want to start one. I have been "scarred straight" by my guardian angel.

Dreamscape