Accused of Shoplifting now worried about Visa & Employment

[savvy22]

Hi, I was charged of Shoplifting at a Store where I had paid for one set of stuff that i purchased, before leaving the store i recalled buying sum more stuff, sum of which I forgetfully put into the bag carrying the previously purchased items and bills. Their camera noticed this and they said i was guilty of shoplifting, they called the police and asked me to pay double the price of the item that was unbilled & in my bag, I agreed for that but got very nervous and started crying. They also accused me of possessing other used stuff that I was carrying in my purse to have been shoplifted. However, the police arrived and questioned me, I admit that I picked the item but it was by an accident that I did not paid for it. Seeing me cry & nervous, they checked on my status & found that I was having enough money in my wallet to pay for the articles and agreed that I did it by accident. They asked me to write a paper admitting the same with my signature on it. The store authority banned me from entering their store for a year & later I received a paper from court stating that I was found guilty of 'shoplifting' and if I feel it is a wrong decision I should appeal against it in the court in some stipulated time (which I dont remember now as I tore the paper & threw it away....) or otherwise I would stand guilty and the decision would stay in records for 2 yrs. and then will be taken off the record.

 

Now there are 3 questions I need to know:

 

1. What kind of offence it is: Criminal, Civil, Convicted?

2. What way can I get another copy of the court judgement (as I threw the one I received), as I have to fill in my Tier1 (PSW) visa application and need to mention the details of the court judgement?

3. Does the above have a negative bearing on getting a visa and also does it affects my chances of employment in UK or can I hide this in my job applications if it is a minor offence/ judgement?

 

Your reply would be of great help to me as it is getting me worried days & nights from all the above 3 respects. Thanks in advance.

[SR3009]

1. Civil

2. Ring the Court and request another to be sent out.

3.Depends if the Police have officially charged you.

[JonCris]

Are you sure you have been convicted of an offence? At the very least you would have been given an opportunity to attend court to explain yourself. Are you referring to a civil recovery demand from a firm named RLP (Retail Loss Prevention)?

[savvy22]

1. Civil

2. Ring the Court and request another to be sent out.

3.Depends if the Police have officially charged you.

 

Thanks for your reply. I was not charged any fine by the police, store or court.

[savvy22]

From what I remember, the court had given some 2- 3 weeks time to appeal against the case. Also, I was not fined either by police, court or store authorities. And No, it is not in regard of a civil recovery demand from RLP.

[MARTIN3030]

Its difficult to give advice here-if it was Civil recovery then would be in a County Court-you say that you was not charged and so wont be a Magistrates Court.

So can you remember which Court sent you this ?

Or was it sent by a Solicitor.?

As regards your Visa-what kind of Visa are you currently on-and which foreign post issued it ?

[JonCris]

From what I remember, the court had given some 2- 3 weeks time to appeal against the case. Also, I was not fined either by police, court or store authorities. And No, it is not in regard of a civil recovery demand from RLP.

 

The above post does not make sense You state you were NOT fined by the police, court or store yet the 'court' gave u 2-3 weeks to appeal Which is it ? because until you are able to clarify the facts I doubt there's any meaningful advice that can be offered

[rashismart2000]

You need to decalre it in your visa application form, otherwise it will consider as a deception.

[savvy22]

You need to decalre it in your visa application form, otherwise it will consider as a deception.

 

Thanks for your reply.. But is it going to hurt the chance of getting visa?

Also.. is it a criminal record that I am supposed to declare for employment purposes?

[savvy22]

Its difficult to give advice here-if it was Civil recovery then would be in a County Court-you say that you was not charged and so wont be a Magistrates Court.

So can you remember which Court sent you this ?

Or was it sent by a Solicitor.?

As regards your Visa-what kind of Visa are you currently on-and which foreign post issued it ?

 

 

As I dont have copy of the court paper, I cannot remember which court had send that. However, I shall be seeing the local police headquarters for a copy of the judgement.

No, it was not from a Solicitor.

Am on a Student visa & applying for a Tier1 (PSW) visa.

[JonCris]

only a conviction or caution should be disclosed on your visa application AND no one can give you any meaningful help until you clarify things

 

The police will NOT be able to help you You need to contact the court (if any) which issued the 'fine' Frankly I'm amazed that such a major event could take place I you don't seem to remember what happened

[MARTIN3030]

During your stay here, you have the right to:

 

• be treated fairly and lawfully regardless of your race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or any disability; and
  
• practise your own religion - similarly, you are expected to show respect for people of other faiths.
  

It is your responsibility to:

 

• obey the law;
  
• care for your children (for example, children under the age of 16 must always be supervised by an adult, and they must go to school if they are aged between five and 16); and
  
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