unintentional theft

[Jeff51086]

when I was 17 I accidently stole a magazine from a store. What happened was I went into a store with a few friends and we were looking around. I picked up one of those car shopper type magazines and started looking at it. I then decided I wanted it, so I just walked out with it. I didnt know I had to pay for it or anything. I didnt realize until later that I had actually stolen it. I remember in another thread about the guy that was being DQed for stealing a $2 keychain and now I'm a little worried about it. I've also read in threads about going to the store and paying for what I took, but it was 4 years ago and I dont even remember what store it was. So, my question is: because I didnt steal it purposely, would that generally mitigate what I did? I'm definitely going to disclose it to every pd I apply for. thanks a lot guys.

[ask80]

as long as you are upfront about it, it shouldn't be a problem... IMO

[Mikeyg76]

Just be honest. I know what you mean like the AutoTraders, those are so easy to think they are free. You should be fine! Good luck

[PhilipCal]

Mention it to the BI, or on the polygraph. I don't see it as a problem, as long as you're up front about it.

[SlowDownThere]

I know what you mean by "accidentally stealing" it, but actually there is no such thing. Theft requires an intent to steal. If you thought that it was a free paper (and there are several such free papers) then no crime occured. I would go back and pay for it, yes even years later. And fully disclose what happened to a background investigator.

[jakflak]

What slowdown said; be honest and go back and pay for it. I did the same thing when I was about 8, and I went back and paid for it as a teenager.

If you write something down they don't need to hear, odds are it won't hurt you. If you fail to write something down they did need to hear, you're disqualified.

[Jeff51086]

thanks a lot guys...I feel a lot better now. what about the bike I stole from wal-mart, the guy I mugged in an alley last week, the pot I smoke everyday, and the coke I snort? would that dq me? I really hope not.

p.s. I'm just kidding.