I was arrested for shoplifting?

Question

I was recently arrested for shoplifting. My friend was caught shoplifting and My boyfriend and I got arrested for KNOWING. I'm a minor [15] my boyfriend is 17 [not considered a minor] Now I can't get my license until I'm 18, and my boyfriend could possibly get convicted for it. But he didnt know anything about it. AT ALL. But he was with us, so they ASSUME he knew. So now I have to testify for him. Has anyone been through this situation? I need some MAJOR advice.

Thank you,
Jada

Answer 1

I can't believe that not one answerer before me has the moral sense to understand that Jada's being arrested was WRONG! If she was just tagging along, she surely doesn't "owe" it to the store owners to be *their* unpaid security cop. Since she doesn't owe that service, she should not be penalized for not providing it.

The only way it can be justified is if Jada was being an accomplice to the crime, such as by being a lookout, or helping to smuggle the goods out of the store. If Jada did something (actively) to help her boyfriend commit his crime, then she would have done something bad. In that case, Jada, herself, would have injured the rights of the store owners and would deserve punishment.

But not just for knowing and not telling. Those store owners have no rights to force you to use your eyes, your mind, and your mouth in their service. Damn rich people, always using their money to buy the laws they want, and nevermind whether they really deserve to have what they can take that way.

Furthermore, I'll bet that those stinking goons didn't actually KNOW that Jada knew anything about what her boyfriend did. They just ASSUMED that she knew. Maybe this time they were right, but it doesn't matter. Even if they'd been wrong, and Jada didn't know anything, she'd still have been arrested (falsely) for having knowledge of a crime (which she didn't really have) and tried in a courtroom by a jury of 12 ignorant people who would believe anything the prosecuting attorney told them.

Answer 2

As a first offender he is incredibly unlikely to get a custodial sentence. He will most likely get some kind of community sentence. Where there is a drug addiction, courts often order treatment in place of community sentence, but obviously that may not apply this time. Custodial sentences are more usually applied to repeat offenders, and custody in shoplifting cases is a last resort. If your brother pleads guilty, the sentence will probably be fairly light.

Answer 3

tell the TRUTH, however, in almost all states, having knowledge and not reporting any crime is the same as doing it. Be glad you got caught now, while a minor and can learn from the experience without a big portion of your life gone. You will probably only get probation, but If your state is like mine, you will also be barred from seeing your boyfriend and friend as part of the probation. Stealing, even from the big companies, is wrong and hurts all of us (big companies charge higher prices just to compensate for this) in the long run. Learn from this, and choose your friends more wisely.

Answer 4

you and your boyfriend were arrested because you were there, it is called accessory to felony theft. it does not matter if you knew about it or not. the only way I can see him getting out of it is to tell them the truth and testify against you and your friend. I was arrested once for 3rd degree theft by unlawful taking. my cousin and two others testified that I did not do anything and was not apart of it. the law did not care who did or did not do the crime they said the fact that I did not call the police when it happened made me guilty

Answer 5

I don't think there is a charge for "knowing" about shoplifting. perhaps if your were aiding or abetting(assisting) the shoplifter, that may be another matter. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty-so not to worry about the license unless you have agreed to plea bargain with a guilty verdict

Answer 6

Your a admitted thief, you thought nothing of your actions until someone brought up the fact you would have your driving privileges suspended until you were 18, now its serious to you, as for testifying for him, I wouldn't, I would take the 5th. and get new friends. sounds like your on the path to a life that will be miserable.

Answer 7

How can you say you didnt know when you just said you knew? If you testify against him it will probably help the court/judge go eaiser on you. As for you getting your license ---oh well---- maybe you should stop and think what kinbd ogf friends you keep.

Answer 8

Well you never denied it, so I assume that you admit that you're a thief. So, first piece of advice: please stop stealing things.
Second, "knowing" is not a crime, so presumably your "baby daddy" was arrested for conspiracy. You can testify that he knew nothing about it, and was not part of the crime, and the judge/jury might even believe you (HA!). Good luck with that.

Answer 9

All you can do is explain the situation exactly as what happened and get your boyfriend to do the same. If your stories match up you MIGHT get off.

Yup its wrong, but sometimes thats just the way it is

Answer 10

If it does not belong to you and you have not paid for it ( like my mom said don't touch it) simple words to live by...sorry to be so blunt but i am not sympathetic at all...The book says "thou shall not steal" 10 commandments read, listen, educate subdue the ignorance within you life before it consumes you...we are known bye the company we keep "quit by association" get better Friends...