I shoplifted for years and never got caught. I don't steal anymore because I finally got a conscious and feel very guilty for my actions. Stealing became a thrill and I wasn't aware of how my behavior was affecting businesses and consumers. I feel so sorry for my actions and feel I need to be punished somehow. What would be the approbriate punishment? Should I turn myself in?

If you want a legal answer, no, but you can determine what you cost various stores and start trying to pay them, you can send money to them unmarked perhaps money orders to pay back what you did.

But the best thing, know it was wrong, and do right from now on

Pay it forward. Donate money to charities like St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital... Make a Wish Foundation.

That way you will feel that you made a difference in someone else's life.

Thanks, I know now it is totally wrong to steal and I don't do it anymore. It's just comforting to know that some people think that I can pay for my crime in other ways than going to jail, which I do deserve.

I am concerned about your repetitive threads and your apparent need to confess and be punished. You almost preach on the legal threads. Has something traumatic happened recently in your life? https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/crimin...me-423089.html

Nothing traumatic has happened, just a divine revelation and to know what to do about my past mistakes. I was reading about Roman Polanski's case, and made me think if he has to pay for a past crime then I should also. I just wanted the opinions of the society.

Not a problem and I responded on another thread - I just don't think you should be more or less beating yourself up over your past. Sometimes you just have to move on - but if this is religion based, well, then it's your personal beliefs that matter.

If it's punishment that you seek, then first calculate a monetary value that you think is close to the amount that you stole, and donate it to a charity, or charities, like J_9 mentioned. THEN, volunteer somewhere that matters. And for the rest of your life, do random acts of kindness, for people that really need it. Try to do it anonymously, as to not get "credit".

It may take some time for you to clear your conscience, but I don't think that you need to "turn yourself in". You didn't kill anyone(did you?).

The most important thing is that you have stopped, and you feel remorse.

Good luck.