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I'm a juvenile and was recently caught shoplifting. Its my first offense. What punishments am I facing?
Anonymous3 views2 answers
I was recently caught shoplifting at a store. The amount shoplifted was $41 and it was my first offense. The store decided to press charges and I had to be arrested and will now be going to court. I know what I did was extremely dumb and I regret it a lot. I had enough money in my purse to pay for the items so is that good or bad because it could mean that it wasn't premeditated but also the judge could think im just greedy? Since it was my first offense, the amount was $41, and it wasn't premeditated what kind of sentencing am I looking at? I get mostly A's and B's, am in numerous after school clubs, and have won student of the month, will this help when I see the judge?
It always helps to have a good reputation, good grades, good job, etc. Judges consider this for sentencing.
Having money doesn't prove that you weren't intending to steal. Winona Ryder was convicted of shoplifting and she probably has more money than all of us.
Since the dollar amount of the stolen property was below $500, it is considered a misdemeanor. As a first-offender, the court might have a program for first-offenders that could allow the case to be dismissed if you complete whatever conditions they set. Think of it as "pre-probation." These first offender programs are sometimes called "diversion." You should ask your attorney or public defender about these programs.
Your participation in school activities and your grades and honors will certainly be taken into consideration by the Judge and will inure to your benefit. It is not uncommon for a person charged with shoplifting to have the money in his/her posession at the time and-in the absence of any psychological evaluation-the Judge generally discounts that as a truly significant factor, The Judge will look to see if you are sincerely contrite and ashamed of what you did, may ask you what was in your mind at the time, but will most likely be as lenient on you as the law of your state allows if he is impressed with you and what you have to say. Good luck!
