The Impact of Shoplifting Convictions on Your Record in West Virginia
A shoplifting conviction in West Virginia, even for what may seem like a minor offense, can have serious and long-lasting consequences on your personal and professional life. In addition to facing potential fines, jail time, or probation, a shoplifting conviction can impact your reputation, employment prospects, and even your future opportunities. At Frank Walker Law, we understand the gravity of such charges, and we're here to help you navigate the legal process with the aim of minimizing the damage to your record and future.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the potential impact of a shoplifting conviction on your criminal record in West Virginia, what you should know about the legal consequences, and how a skilled attorney can help you protect your future.
What Is Shoplifting and How Is It Charged in West Virginia?
Shoplifting is a form of theft that occurs when someone steals goods from a store with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of those goods. In West Virginia, shoplifting can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the value of the stolen goods.
Petit Larceny (Misdemeanor): If the value of the stolen items is under $1,000, the charge is typically a misdemeanor. A conviction can result in up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
Grand Larceny (Felony): If the value of the stolen items is $1,000 or more, you may face felony charges. A conviction for grand larceny can result in 1 to 10 years in prison and/or significant fines.
Whether you're facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, the consequences of a conviction can extend far beyond the courtroom. Below, we’ll explain how a shoplifting conviction can affect your criminal record.
1. A Criminal Record That Follows You
One of the most significant long-term consequences of a shoplifting conviction is the creation of a permanent criminal record. If you are convicted of shoplifting in West Virginia, the offense will appear on your criminal background check, which is accessible to:
Employers: Many employers conduct background checks on potential employees. A shoplifting conviction can make it more difficult for you to find or maintain a job, especially in industries that require trust or involve handling money or goods.
Landlords: If you are renting a home or apartment, a shoplifting conviction may affect your ability to secure housing. Landlords may view a criminal record as a red flag and may be hesitant to lease to someone with a conviction.
Professional Licensing Boards: If your career requires a license, such as in law, healthcare, or finance, a criminal record may prevent you from obtaining or renewing your professional license.
Having a criminal record can be a major obstacle in many aspects of life, making it harder to move forward and rebuild after a mistake.
2. Potential Loss of Employment Opportunities
A shoplifting conviction can make it harder to find and keep a job. Even if the conviction is a misdemeanor, it can still impact your employability, especially in the following ways:
Background Checks: Many employers conduct criminal background checks before hiring. A shoplifting conviction may be viewed as a sign of dishonesty or lack of integrity, making employers less likely to offer you a position.
Job Restrictions: Certain jobs, especially those that involve handling money, access to confidential information, or working with vulnerable populations, may be off-limits if you have a theft-related conviction on your record.
Loss of Current Job: If you are already employed and a conviction is discovered, you could face termination, particularly if your employer has a policy against criminal conduct.
Having a criminal record for shoplifting can close doors that would otherwise be open to you professionally.
3. Impact on Higher Education and Scholarships
If you are a student or plan to pursue higher education, a shoplifting conviction can also impact your access to education:
College Admissions: Many colleges and universities require applicants to disclose any criminal convictions. A shoplifting conviction can hurt your chances of admission, particularly if the school has strict policies about criminal history.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Some scholarships and financial aid programs may disqualify you from receiving funding if you have a criminal conviction. Certain private or government-backed programs may view a conviction for shoplifting as an indicator of poor judgment.
While it’s possible to receive financial aid or gain admission to school with a criminal record, the conviction may limit your options or delay your educational progress.
4. Restrictions on Future Legal Rights
A shoplifting conviction may also restrict certain legal rights that are important to your daily life:
Voting: In West Virginia, a felony conviction may lead to a temporary loss of voting rights. While misdemeanors do not carry this penalty, it’s important to understand that a felony conviction for a crime like grand larceny can disenfranchise you during the period of your sentence.
Gun Ownership: A felony conviction could also prevent you from legally possessing firearms. If you are charged with a felony, you could lose your Second Amendment rights, which can have a significant impact on your personal freedoms.
5. Reputation Damage and Social Stigma
Beyond the legal and professional consequences, a shoplifting conviction can damage your reputation and lead to social stigma. Even if the incident was a one-time mistake, the public perception of being a "thief" can follow you for years. Friends, family, and acquaintances may treat you differently or distance themselves from you, which can have a negative impact on your social life and mental well-being.
6. The Possibility of Expungement
In some cases, it may be possible to expunge a shoplifting conviction from your criminal record, especially if it was a misdemeanor. Expungement is the legal process of sealing or destroying the records of an arrest or conviction, essentially making it as if the crime never happened.
Eligibility: In West Virginia, you may be eligible for expungement if you have completed your sentence (including probation) and have stayed out of trouble for a specified period of time. However, certain crimes, particularly felonies, may not be eligible for expungement.
If you’re concerned about the long-term impact of a shoplifting conviction, an experienced attorney can help you explore whether you’re eligible for expungement and guide you through the process.
How an Attorney Can Help You
If you’ve been charged with shoplifting in West Virginia, it’s essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney, like Frank Walker, can help you:
Negotiate a Plea Deal: Your attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or a lighter sentence, which can help you avoid harsher penalties and reduce the impact on your record.
Seek Alternatives to Jail Time: For first-time offenders, your attorney may be able to pursue alternative sentencing options like community service, probation, or restitution.
Fight for Expungement: If you’re concerned about the future impact of your conviction, your attorney can help you explore options for expunging your record once you’ve fulfilled the requirements.
Contact Frank Walker Law Today
If you’ve been charged with shoplifting in West Virginia, the consequences of a conviction can be severe. Don’t navigate this challenging situation alone—contact Frank Walker Law for a free consultation. We’ll fight to protect your rights, minimize the impact on your record, and work toward a resolution that will help you move forward.
Call us today and let us help you understand your options and provide the legal defense you need.
About Frank Walker Law
Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Personal Injury Attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Best Attorneys in America, Best Law firms of America, America’s Greatest Attorneys, and a Top AVVO Rated attorney, with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.
Additionally, you can find Attorney Walker on YouTube, TikTok, the Pittsburgh Attorney Podcast and the West Virginia Attorney Podcast, where he gives legal tips (not advice!) and discusses the pressing legal issues of the day.
If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or are seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805 (Pittsburgh), 304-413-0179 (Morgantown), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.