If a kid in my class, steals my pencil ... can I (parents) charge him or her with theft?

Question

I don't actually need to do this, but if my penicl, or eraser, or other small things like that are stolen from me in school, and I know who did it ... would that count as theft, and even be taken to court?

What if it's not at school? Say for exampe, Barbara's best friend Susan comes over for dinner, and Susan takes Barbara's hair comb and never comes back. Can Barbara charge Susan with theft?

Okay, I didn't have a pencil stolen or anything, but I just want to know if the courts or lawyers would actually accept something like that?

Answer 1

That is so petty. The trial alone would cost like over 500 times as much at a measly pencil or haircomb.

Answer 2

It may be able to run in small claims court if a pattern is established. Other than that, the school needs to discipline him.

Barbara probably could charge Susan, however, I really don't see a trial over a hair comb, Susan will probably have to pay Barbara for damages or something.

Legal Secretary...under British Law though.

Answer 3

First of all, theft is a criminal offense, not a civil one. Law enforcement and the judicial system bring charges for criminal offenses - not parents or Barbara.

The parents or Barbara could sue in small claims court for the value of the item. Court costs and filing fees would easily be 100 times the value of the item that was "stolen." And it would be a case of My Word Against Yours. That doesn't win court cases - unless the person you steal from is a cop.

Answer 4

It is theoretically possible to go to the magistrates' court and lay an information and have a summons served on the offending party. However, the courts are not at all keen on such goings on, having more than enough work to do as it is, and the chances are that the CPS will insist on taking over the "prosecution" of the case and then discontinue it. So it remains a theoretical possibility only.

Answer 5

Well court people don't really have time to waste on pencil and papers. but it is in fact considered as steeling. Probably the best way to react or to do thing is to go to the parents and tell em if parent don't listen ( what often happens) you can also go to the district of the school or the director and you know they would never judge someone for steeling a pen come on. Be the adult and stand up for your pens ;-)

Answer 6

Susan/kid in class can be charged with larceny. However, I have yet to find a single lawyer who would actually take on such a trivial case like a stolen pencil or hair comb. In case you haven't noticed, people are murdering and raping each other left and right.

Answer 7

Technically, yes. But why do you want to make such a big deal out of such a small thing. Just talk to the person, they may have a problem. Young people often steal things in an effort to gain attention and sometimes they can have mental problems. Another issue could be drugs. If the items are resale able, they may be being used to sell for drugs. Talk to your parents and your friend. Good Luck

Answer 8

Can you PROVE who took the items?

It is VERY doubtful that the cops are going to come and arrest a kid because he stole a pencil or a hair comb. And why would you waste their time? Call the kids parents and work it out amongst yourselves. Oh, and stop being so petty!

Answer 9

The courts would not waste money on a case involving a pen.

Answer 10

probably. but the cost for a lawyer and court will be 700 times greater than the cost of the pencil. having your parents or teacher talk to the theif's parents would be your best bet.