I got caught shoplifitng for the second time (awful I know)! They called the cops, and Ii was given a sitation with a court date on it. Now I am wondering what type of punishment I may be facing? The total for the stuff I stole was $42.00. I stole food, and a pregnancy test.
2007-02-27 08:43:05 · 9 answers · asked by Hmom 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I am a 25 year old mother of 3 young kids. I live in New Mexico. Hope this info helps answer my question.
Thank you
2007-02-27 09:17:00 · update #1
Of course it's wrong to steal, but there's no reason to lecture this person.
BDOLE and toaster have the best answers.
Good luck to you.
2007-02-27 10:38:01 · answer #1 · answered by dussin23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That falls under petty theft, so it's generally considered a misdemeanor. Depends on the jurisdiction, and even the individual judge you face. The most likely situation is either a fine in the $100-$500 range, community service, or a mix of both. If you get a judge who is being exceptionally "hard on crime", you could face up to 30 days in jail, although this is unlikely.
I cannot offer legal advice, but the standard practice is to plead "no contest", which does not admit guilt, but does not challenge the charges. Generally, this is done to save time for the court, and they usually offer more lenient sentencing this way. You should have the right to free counsel, your lawyer will advise you where I cannot.
2007-02-27 16:50:40 · answer #2 · answered by BDOLE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on how long between arrests/convictions, you will probably receive a probated sentence. The fact that the items were under Fifty Dollars keeps you in the misdemeanor offense category and therefore the previous arrests are the problem. If you are currently on probation for the previous theft, the Judge may not feel very generous towards you and may sentence you to anywhere from 30-to-90 days in Jail. Another avenue to consider is counseling. Talk to your Attorney about being placed on intense supervision. You must think of your children and what this does to affect "THEY'RE LIVES" !!. If your having trouble feeding your family their are "Human Services" in almost every large City in the country plus, not to mention, Food Pantries that supply food and/or clothing to needy families. I know this because I do volunteer work for one. So, your claim of stealing food isn't going to hold up very well in a Court of Law.I do wish you and your family the best though.
GOD BLESS/GOOD LUCK!!
2007-03-07 00:45:27 · answer #3 · answered by Chuck-the-Duck 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweetie,
Please, as a Female CO I see ladies like you in my custody all the time. Think of your children. YOU do not want to be doing 90 days with me. And that will happen if you do not stop this. What is it that you can't live with out? If you are stealing food or clothing for you babies go to the local churches or food Banks.GET help. Your children NEED YOU. JAIL does not need you. That is where you will be. If this is an addiction find professional help tell the judge that you have a problem get help. BEFORE it is to late. Good luck.
2007-03-03 23:05:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will rant and rave then give you my opinion!
By stealing...you drive the cost to the HONEST consumers higher to compensate for the loss! SHAME!
You don't say how old you are so...despite your age or whether you're prosecuted as a juvenile or adult...you will certainly be required to pay restitution for the stolen property.
Additionally, I am SURE the judge will place you on supervised probation.
There will also be court costs and fines along with your criminal record for theft of property.
Many cities have agencies that can help you if you need food. Contact one of those agencies for help instead of destroying your life by getting all these convictions!
Best wishes!
2007-02-27 16:53:27 · answer #5 · answered by KC V ™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's just $42.00 it is considered a misdemeanor. Anything over $199 is considered a felony. It really depends on the state that you are from but i think you will probably just be fined. (no jail time for a misdemeanor).
2007-03-04 12:33:08 · answer #6 · answered by venus 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your state and whether or not you have a lawyer that talks about your good qualities during 'allocution'. Nobody can give you a real answer on here without knowing what state you are in.
I wish you the best - and congrats if you are pregnant!
2007-02-27 16:52:15 · answer #7 · answered by toaster4 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you will be facing up to 3 years in prison.
2007-02-27 16:57:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be jail time since you are repeat offender without showing you won't do it again. Might want to consult an attorney.
2007-02-27 16:50:43 · answer #9 · answered by thunder2sys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋