Just a week ago from today, I have made the biggest mistake of my life by stealing while I was working at Walmart. I have been there for almost 2 years. I was brought to the back of the store into a room by the store manager, where a Loss Prevention Officer introduced himself and interrogated me. Of course, having done this, I have been terminated from my position at Walmart and banned from any Walmart for 1 year.

At the time of interrogation, I gave back the money I took from the cash register to the store manager, who was also present in the room. He was taking notes from the conversation that I and the Loss Prevention Officer exchanged. A total of $290.00 was calculated from the money I had given back to the manager. I also came to admit that I had another $100.00 in my wallet from which I also took the same day, just hours apart. Following interrogation, I had to write out a statement. Not really thinking, I admitted to more than what he asked of me, saying that I had taken probably around $1000.00 in cash (more like $800-$900), and had also stolen $300.00 worth of items (Cosmetics, Pharmacy, HBA and some food). I had written out that the habit of me stealing began after my 1-year evaluation for the items, and then the money-stealing began a week from the day I got caught (June 15, 2012). I said I really wanted to pay the company back for everything I took, and so I was given a Restitution Note.

I saw a lawyer a few days after and explained to her about everything that has happened. She tells me that my case is pretty serious, since I stole from an employer, and it could end me up in jail. Also, she says that it could take months before this case is looked upon, before the police will show up at my door to come and take me to the station for further questioning. The lawyer had suggested that when they try to ask me anymore questions, that I tell them I have nothing to say, and that I had already spoken to a lawyer. Also, I had the money order already prepared to pay off the Restitution Note, but she had decided to keep it and give me a photocopy of it. Now, was that the right thing to do? I have no idea what she plans to do with it. Should I try contacting her, and request that I pay it off right away, since that would look good on my part for if and when I do appear in court? I'm not too sure as to when the cops are going to come for me, and when I will be appearing in court. I really don't know what to expect. This is my first offence, and I am 19 years of age. I reside in Winnipeg, MB. The questions are, what would my sentence be? Would I end up going to jail, and for how long?

Anything would help, please and thank you.

I'd believe my Attorney. These are questions to ask her because she's familiar with the Courts and sentences in your area.

The issue is the amount, in many areas once you get over 1000 dollars it goes into a felony which is more serious. I don't understand them taking the money order I would think I guess they are going to try to agree to pay this, if they don't call the police or press charges.

I do agree it could be months before the police come and they have a confession to all of it in writing to use against you

Hmm, but what if I'm not home at the time they try to take me? Say, I was at an appointment, or job interview.. Would they try to find me? Also, if I become employed again, would my employer fire me if I had to do jail time, let's say? I'm praying and hoping that I don't get sentenced to jail, and that I don't have to live with a criminal record.

I do realize that I've gotten myself into a very serious case. I wonder just how lenient the judge will be with me.

Hmm, but what if I'm not home at the time they try to take me? Say, I was at an appointment, or job interview.. Would they try to find me? Also, if I become employed again, would my employer fire me if I had to do jail time, let's say? I'm praying and hoping that I don't get sentenced to jail, and that I don't have to live with a criminal record.


What? Would they try to make you do what? Would "they" try to find you? Who is "they" and why would they be looking for you? If you are referring to the Police I think your employer will file the charges and you'll get a notice to apear in the mail. If "they" do coming looking for you they aren't going to say, "Well, I guess he's not home" and never come back again.

If questioning is involved you will probably get a phone call asking you to come into the Police Station.

You stand trial, you'll be sentenced OR you'll plea bargain OR you'll enter a guilty plea. You don't then go home and the Police spend their time looking for you.

I have no idea if you find another job if that employer would fire you if you had to do jail time. I am guessing a potential employer would ask if you have a criminal record - which you will have.

I have no doubt you will have a criminal record - you do understand that you stole from your employer, right?

If the police just want to question you, they may come by your house a looking, if they have a warrant for your arrest, they often do those early morning or late at night when most people are home, but they will come back and back till they get you.

Some companies that hire you will fire you just because you have to take off to go to trial. If you are convicted yes many firms will fire you for that.

I do realize I will be holding a criminal record, but would I be able to apply for a pardon? Is there in any way somehow that I can lose the criminal record? I really don't want to live with a criminal record for the rest of my life. I know I've made the dumb mistake of stealing from my employer, and I honestly do regret it with absolute remorse. I'd do anything to have my 'normal' life back. All I basically want to know (so that I can feel a little at ease) is what type of sentencing would I be looking at, and that since doing jail time would be one of the sentences, what could I do to avoid having that.. Anything at all.

You need an Attorney. No, you aren't eligible for a pardon.

You have to take a look at the "confession" that you signed - this wasn't one incident of your hand in the register. This was several instances, perhaps in one day.

And this was your employer!

There are perhaps a few hundred pardons given in some states, others almost no pardons, they are more often than not for political favors, so if your family is connected to politicial system, you never know. But normally these are done years latter.