Hi, I am a 26 year old mother of 5 young children... I just got caught shoplifting $182 worth of merchandise. Mostly it was garden seeds, and 3 pairs of jeans for my boy.. The only reason I stole was because at this time, we don"t have much money, and I was in need of some things. By the way, I live in Minnesota.
This is my first offense and was wondering what kind of prosecution could happen, and what I could be facing? My court appearance is in 2 weeks, just got caught yesterday, and was wondering if I should get a lawyer, or should I go before the Judge and pay the fine? What kind of fine could there possibly be?
2007-02-22 12:11:24 · 16 answers · asked by cassandra j 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I am married to the father of all 5 of my children... Is there really a possibility that I could go to jail?
2007-02-22 12:43:43 · update #1
Oh yes, I did get caught with the stuff, and I had to sign something saying that I willfully did it, and I have to pay restitution.
When I do go before the Judge,is there a lot of other people in the courtroom at the same time to see the Judge for misdemeanors? Or is it something that is done by myself?
As for other things that would be on my record, I have a speeding ticket.
I just need all the help I can get, because I am scare, I suppose I should be, and I want to go prepared.
I plant a large garden in the summer! And I am sure in the end I would have saved a lot of money to have just bought jeans from a garage sale!!!!
My husband is driving semi, and was wondering if he will end up knowing what I did, and if I should tell him and how I should tell him?...He is a very honest man, and I would hate for him to know. Even though God does, and he is chastising me for what I did.
2007-02-22 12:52:59 · update #2
The best thing you can do is what you are doing now. I want to compliment you because nowhere in your question did you make excuses or claim to be innocent.
I would be honest and very humble and you'll have to pay a fine but they will set up payment arrangements where you pay little amounts each month.
Also if you have a record of other crimes it won't go good for you but if it is your first crime you'll get a fine.
My advice would be is if there are other things on your record get an attorney but they are going to want money in advance.
If it is the only thing on your record I would tell the Judge you need help with clothing for your children and the Judge most likely will want to change the subject and may be lenient.
Good luck.
2007-02-22 12:18:29 · answer #1 · answered by Workfortoday 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First offense and under $400 (petty theft) is good news. A lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced to an infraction.
Fine would likely be in the several hundred dollar range.
Worst case jail time in these cases is up to 10 days - doubt that a judge would do that to a mother on first offense stealing children's clothes.
A quick consultation with a lawyer would be well worth your while.
Assuming you got nailed with the goods, express genuine remorse instead of trying to justify what you did. I know it is wrong - it will never happen again - I've learned my lesson.
Best of luck.
2007-02-22 12:17:42 · answer #2 · answered by Mark P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When under $500 dollars its consider a misdemeanor offensive. The charges may be drop since this is your first offensive.You may receive probation or community service and fines. Yes you should get a lawyer, However if you can't afford one tell the judge in one can be appoint if you meet the income standard.
2007-02-22 12:26:09 · answer #3 · answered by Toni 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if your lucky and the owner drops the charges after they hear your story you can get a small fine, court costs, and probation with community service. AND try not to it again. BEcasuse next time it might go worse. But just hope they will go soft on you this time. because depending on the judge also if you get off easy or not
2007-02-22 12:41:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you will go to jail. Why were you shoplifting jeans worth lots of money from an obviously expensive store instead of looking at ebay or garage sales or Goodwill? Be smart with your money and you won't need to shoplift. Make use of your food pantry and other things available to you.
2007-02-22 12:16:42 · answer #5 · answered by trishay79 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It will be a minimum of $1,000. My friend got caught at Saks and it was this much. It could go on your record, and it could affect future jobs, etc. Do not argue with the fine, pay it and they'll be more likely to not put it on your record, etc. Good luck.
2007-02-22 12:15:36 · answer #6 · answered by Helpyouhelpme 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is it possible to attempt to get the store you shoplifted from to drop the charges? Maybe if you explained your story to them? If not, see if you can speak with the DA or his or hers designee, usually an asst. DA. You may be able to cop a plea with them before seeing the judge.
2007-02-22 12:21:29 · answer #7 · answered by jaypea40 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
jail or a fine
I was 16 when I got busted so it was just a $150 lawsuit and that was it, no cops involved. Over 18, The Cops take you to jail
2007-02-22 12:15:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's too bad they don't still cut off the thief's hand. Plead poverty for the jeans and stupidity for the seeds, then beg for leniency. Don't forget to grovel. It looks like petty theft. Find out from the police what usually happens to someone in your situation. Maybe you can get it handled without a lawyer. It is worth checking out. You can postpone the court appearance and delay this thing for awhile so you can think clearly. Take your time.
2007-02-22 12:25:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Hun you have KIDS why in the heck would you even think of this,,,,and garden seedsss what do u need those for? You could have asked kin folks or even the state to help.. what good is it gonna do ur kids when your sittin in jail , if your lucky they will slap you with probabtion and maybe restatution to the store,,well gl to you
2007-02-22 12:17:00 · answer #10 · answered by xxrolltideexx 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋