omg my friends just stole a bunch of stuff from the mall like 2000 dollers worth of stuff. what are the consaquences for doing that .we are13 years old. could i get into trouble if i was with them even thought i dident steal anything and i told them to stop and not steal
please please please help any one
could we still get in trouble even though this happend yesterday if cought on camera
2007-01-30 07:58:32 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
If you knew she was stealing, while she was stealing, you aided and abetted, and that makes you a principal to the crime.
if you found out she stole after the crime, but you told no one, you are an accessory after the fact.
You need to convince your friend to return the items. If she doesn't, you need to inform the police. It is the honorable thing to do. Don't do this because you are afraid of getting caught, do so because it is the right thing to do.
2007-01-30 08:05:14 · answer #1 · answered by Jack Chedeville 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
First of all, a lot of people are telling you scary things which are not true.
It is NOT a crime just to see somebody else steal something. Unless you are helping that person commit the theft, you are NOT aiding and abetting the crime.
It is NOT a crime to fail to report that you know somebody committed a theft. Unless you are helping that person avoid detection or arrest, you are NOT an accessory to the crime.
So, if you really had nothing to do with this, you are not in any LEGAL trouble. Don't be afraid to do the right thing because you think you will get in trouble--if you are telling the truth to us you did NOT commit any crime.
You should tell your parents what happened. They will probably decide that it is best for you to go to the police and tell them what happened (which is probably what is best). And, as others have said, you should get new friends.
2007-01-30 09:47:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a son who is a detective & a son who is a sherriff's deputy & your question caught my eye. In some states, since the girls are minors, they will be released to the custody of their parents, if they are identified on the closed circuit tv or if they turn themselves in. The parents will then have to come up with restitution for merchandise stolen, if it's not returned. If this is their first offense, there may not be anything more done to them, other than being released to their parents. The laws in all states differ. I would suggest that you go to your parents & be truthful about what happened at the mall, & that you were not involved in stealing, & that you told them not to steal. The second thing I'd do, is to shop around for NEW FRIENDS!!!! People are often judged bu who they hang around with, is a saying my mom handed down to me & I lived by it. Stealing is not cool but your friends must think differently. Peer pressure is unreal, I know, but you need to travel in a different circle of friends.
2007-01-30 08:14:09 · answer #3 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As an officer for over 30 years, I've observed juvenile cases too many times.
As a juvenile, your case would go before a judge presiding over a juvenile court.
Because of the amount of property stolen...and your presense during the crime....you COULD be considered an "accessory" to the crime and therefore just as responsible.
Here's the problem though! You KNOW about the crime and failure to report the crime to appropriate authorities DOES make you an "accessory" if you just do nothing!
My suggestion is talk to your parents and get their help along with making sure you take care of yourself before your so called "friends" get you in to further trouble!!
Best wishes!
2007-01-30 08:47:11 · answer #4 · answered by KC V ™ 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
if you are part of the crime meaning:you are with the person and you don't do anything about it (you allow it to happen and say nothing) you can be charged as an accessory to theft. If you are caught on camera, you need to talk to your parents and tell them so that they can retain a lawyer. Either way if you are on camera or not, it is best to tell your parents and turn yourself in. the punishment (from the law and your parents) will be worse if they catch you first.
2007-01-30 08:15:15 · answer #5 · answered by NolaDawn 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You can get in trouble for this for up to 3 years from now.
2007-01-30 08:05:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
From what I understand, if you simply do nothing, you can be considered an accessory to the crime.
So even though the stuff isn't in your possession (so you can't take it back and apologize), your legal obligation is to tell the police about the incident.
That's the only way you can remove yourself from complicity in the crime.
I know that's bad news, but you chose your friends badly.
.
2007-01-30 08:09:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you could be held part of the conspiracy and be guilty of a felony.
$2,000 is grand theft!
PLEASE discuss with your parent or guardian, and try to rectify it RIGHT AWAY with the police. Your parent or guardian should consult a lawyer before you do anything, but again do it NOW!
If you are on camera, they WILL find you.
Better that you come forward first!
Good luck.
2007-01-30 08:10:09 · answer #8 · answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No you need to go to your parents now and tell them what happened. Even tho I know you dont want to you really have to. If the police come looking for you then you will be glad your parents know what is going on.
2007-01-30 08:19:12 · answer #9 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You can still get in trouble no matter how much time has passed. Yes you can get into trouble just being with them.
2007-01-30 08:53:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋