Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Do I have a criminal record if I've never been to court?

Okay, over a year ago I was fired from my previous job for gift card theft/shoplifting. I was going through a difficult time in my life, which in no way excuses it, and there is honestly not a day that goes by that I do not regret the decisions I made or the person I was.

Moving on, at the time I was fired, I was called into the back room and met with the Loss Prevention Officer who worked for the company. He informed me that they basically knew I had been stealing and asked for the specific details. I cooperated with everything, answered all of his questions and admitted the truth.

He had me sign a couple of forms and write out a confession. I agreed to pay reparations to the company for everything I had taken. I then turned in my nametag and left the building. I have since paid those reparations.

My question is: Do I have a criminal record? The Loss Prevention Officer told me he didn't want to ruin my life or anything, that I just had to pay the store back. The police were not called, and I never had a court date.


Asked on 3/16/09, 1:03 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jay Hochberg

Re: Do I have a criminal record if I've never been to court?

No, you do not have a criminal record. In your case, the LPO (loss prevention officer) seems to have kept his promise and done right by you. Since you were never arrested by the police and brought into the court system, you do not have a criminal record.

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Answered on 3/16/09, 9:02 am


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