<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>Would a misdemeanor (after the acceptance) for shoplifting ($5 item) have any effect on my friend's admission decision to a selective university, i.e rescind his acceptance?</p>
<p>i forgot to add that this is a first time offender</p>
<p>Unlikely, but I think honesty is the key ... if they ask --tell. If they dont ask assume they dont care</p>
<p>In our state, a first time offender for something that small would go through a diversion program, do community servic and keep a clean record. Don't know about other places. Certainly shows a lack of judgment or something though. Often, I believe, shoplifters are "crying for help" for some other problem.</p>
<p>I agree with Bethievt's assessment.</p>
<p>I have no idea about rescinding, but am just adding some thoughts: </p>
<p>Did it happen in Indonesia and are the laws of evidence in court there any different from here? I'm wondering about that. Either way, he's accountable to the laws of the country he stands in at any moment. </p>
<p>While he doesn't have to contact the university now, if they ever ask I think he has to write it down or possibly get into student visa trouble someday, which is more serious. Ask an immigration lawyer if necessary, but above all preserve the student's ability to remain here uninterrupted once he begins to study. </p>
<p>A tip: if someone ever has to represent a history it's actually preferable to say the name of the misdemeanor (eg "shoplifting") without adding on it was "a $5 item." A person sounds better when they take responsibility for the law they broke, rather than try to apologize/mitigate/diminish by putting a price tag on it. </p>
<p>If it did happen outside the U.S., note the name of the country where he was convicted, since it's possible the standards of evidence in court are very different than in the U.S. where we have many protections for the defendant in court. I know Indonesia is progressive, but in other undemocratic nations, they chop off the hands of shoplifters, so consider him fortunate.</p>
<p>thank you all for your replies...</p>
<p>specifically, this did not happen outside the country, but in the US. I suppose this changes things. If you have anything to add, it would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>Thanks,
Diahndra</p>
<p>Do you think he's ready or willing to stop in to see a psychologist to work on this issue before he comes to college? You know him best. That's just for his own sake and well-being; nothing to do with colleges. It might help him to figure out why on earth he did such a thing. Then get beyond it and not repeat it.</p>
<p>I think it doesn't always have any "meaning". This thread recalled a time, when as a teen, I was in a store with my grandmother and mom. I absentmindedly walked out with a package of hair accessories in my hand, only realizing what I had done when we got to the car. My grandmother was sooo worried, completely sure I was crying for help, I needed attention, and yada yada. But I absolutely and completely know I just wasn't paying attention.</p>
<p>i dont think this is one of those cases. i would just like to know what usually happens in this situation.</p>
<p>This (original post) really isn't the sort of question that can be answered with any exactness. </p>
<p>Could it cause an offer to be rescinded? Yes. </p>
<p>Will it? My guess is that it's unlikely but it depends on the college, situation surrounding the incident and many other factors. It's really just impossible to say... sorry.</p>