The first time i got caught shoplifting was 3 years ago. Just recently, I decided to steal a can of soda from a grocery store. I had a bag of groceries I had already bought, and put the can of soda in the bag. A plain clothes cop caught me. It's been about 2 weeks, now, and I haven't gotten anything in the mail. I'm still a minor.
Will I now have a felony? Will I need to hire a lawyer? What do I do? Will this go away when I'm 18?
I didn't steal during those 3 years at all. After I had paid for all my groceries, I figured that I wanted a soda, and didn't want to wait in line again, so I took one. I had thought about it before I did it and I was really nervous about it, but I didn't want to wait in line because I was short on time, so I decided to do it. It was a stupid decision.
2006-09-09 12:48:18 · 22 answers · asked by suejin 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The dollar amount of the item stolen is so petty, and juvenile offenders are handled differently than adults in court. Juvenile court is about rehabilitation and services being offered to help the young person end the patterns of inappropriate behavior.
My guess would be that if you do have to go to court it would be more likely that it is because it is not your first offense, and the court will be looking at your school attendance and other factors to see what in your life could use some intervention from the county.
A can of soda is NOT a felony! Felonies would be if there was a large cash value for the item stolen.
You will probably be assigned a social worker and they may ask you to write a letter of apology to the store and to do some community service work just so that you have a consequence for your actions.
Be sure to show your remorse to the judge and let them know that you realize it was a "stupid decision", because Juvenile courts are in place to try and prevent the offenders from becoming adult criminals.
Your Juvenile record will be sealed when you turn 18 and will not follow you as an adult, so no worries there.
2006-09-09 14:31:21 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I cannot provide an accurate answer for you because it will make a difference where you are, as each state has its own laws on this.
I will give an answer based on Texas laws. In some ways, we are more strict than other states, and in some ways we are more lenient.
First, in Texas, the second theft conviction is automatically a Class A misdemeanor, no matter what the value (unless it is a felony by value of course). The third conviction is automatically a felony too. A Class A misdemeanor is normally punishable by one year in jail.
Since you are a juvenile, the punishment is different. You could be given more probation or you could be taken to the Texas Youth Commission (jail). If you are convicted of this, the punishment is until you are 18 normally, even if that is more than the one year an adult would get.
And I want to point out that in Texas, you are only a juvenile for criminal purposes until you turn 17, not 18. On your 17th birhtday, you go to adult court and jail.
Also, in Texas, all juvenile records are now permanent and not sealed. The conviction will remain on your record for the rest of your life.
Some of the applicable Texas laws are linked to below. The Penal Code will tell you what crimes are, and what the possible punishments are for them. It will also show you what ages are juveniles and which are adults. The Code of Criminal Procedure will explain how the system works for adults in Texas. The Family Code will include the juvenile justice laws on how the system will work for the juveniles.
2006-09-09 15:13:53 · answer #2 · answered by Steve R 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on if you were convicted before if so you may have to do some time the best thing to do is to contact a lawyer for a free apt. He will advise you on your options. And it doesn't matter why you did it no judge wants to know why you did it there is no excuse for them I suggest you never do that again in your life you never know what could happen in jail times are getting worse in the jail system so unless your hardcore and can take spending your days in a cell think twice before doing anything wrong again . I wish you the best on your situation
2006-09-12 08:38:11 · answer #3 · answered by g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to examine yourself. Good is good and steeling items is bad. You may have an opportunity in the future and because of this minor infraction you will be passed over. Is a 99 cent can of soda worth your future. Be honest keep your nose clean. Every time you steel only adds to the merchants losses. They intern raise the prices of items you buy everyday. So in the long run you are only steeling from yourself. You also confirm other peoples belief in the type of person you are by proving them right. That you are not to be trusted and that they should doubt your moral fiber and others that may look like you. So in the end you are bringing down your race.
2006-09-09 12:52:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just be lucky you don't live in Iran or some place like that! Their punishments are MUCH more severe!! They have been known to cut people's hand off or even cruch their arm, making it totally useless!! Just for stealing a loaf of bread!
Stop stealing! You didn't NEED no damn soda! You wasn't going to go hungry or thirsty if you didn't get it! Ever hear of water? I hope this ends up on your adult record..maybe THEN you'll learn!
2006-09-09 12:57:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it will go on your record since you are a repeat offender and yes you could possibly treated as an adult and what do you want me to say its okay you poor kid. Shame on you. You do need a attorney and where are your parents. Sounds like you have too much time on your hands.
2006-09-12 18:19:56 · answer #6 · answered by Kristy C 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no it is not a felony, since it is only a small amount.
you always have a right to an attorney.
Actually going to the store telling them you are real sorry and have no excuse and asking to pay them and to make it up may even get you out of it.
2006-09-09 12:51:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't worry about it. They've got bigger fish to fry. You really need to learn the "Oh man, I've had so much on my mind today, I forgot to pay, what was I thinking" line. It'll get ya out of many a jam.
Don't worry though they won't do much for a dollar can of coke.
2006-09-09 12:53:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Did you get ticketed and assigned a court date?
What exactly happened when the plain clothes cop stopped you?
2006-09-09 12:56:08 · answer #9 · answered by whitebeanner 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wise Up! Quit Stealing! What's wrong with you?
2006-09-09 12:52:19 · answer #10 · answered by prettiethings 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋