I got caught shoplifting...I need help...plz?

Question

I got caught shoplifting at FRY's for a value of around 160.
1. ipod earphone 29
2. 4 gb flash drive 79
3. itrp fm transmitter 49

I am 20 years old, currently attend college, I've never been arrested for shoplifting before, or doing any kinds of illegal activities. I stoled earphone, because the one I have got chewed up by my cats, and flash drive because i need it for school, and itrip because, I bought 2 of them before, and both of them broke. I was told to never come back to FRY's again, what if I do want to shop from there again? Now I am worried about will this go in my record, and affect my future job opportunities? Or scholarship? Or any kinds of negative consequences? I am scared, I've never regret so much. I was told to appear in court, what will most likely to happen? How much will the fine be? I want to know everything, please...

It's in Georgia

Answer 1

This sounds like a combination of stress overload and immediate gratification. Face the consequences; likely it will be probation. BUT, since you are in college, there are counseling groups available. Run, don't walk and get an appointment. This could be a sign of obsessive-compulsive behavior or even bi-polar. Don't second guess, though. GET HELP! This will not go away and later in life it can be much worse. This arrest will be on your records, so a second time will get you jail time. Negative consequences may happen, but that is the nature of things when you do something wrong. Just don't lie, face the music, and get help so that you throw away your education, career and life.
What if you go into Fry's again? What kind of a question is that? Do you not know how serious this is? Why would you even get near Fry's door again. If you want to shop again, ANYWHERE, pay for your purchases, don't steal them.
As to what will happen, what will the fine be..etc. it sounds like you want the least to happen, and are frightened. Use this as a message that you need help to see that this IS SERIOUS AND YOU NEED TO WORRY ABOUT WHAT YOU DID, NOT HOW TO GET OUT OF IT!
Please get help.

Answer 2

1: You're going to have a criminal record.
2: If you enter FRY's again you'll be arrested for trespassing.
3: You'll probably receive probation for two years.
4: If you currently are on a scholarship you better read the fine print. It could say convictions may result in the loss of it. It might specify between felony or misdemeanor but I doubt it. If you're applying for one - forget it.
5. Job applications ask if you've ever been convicted of a felony. I believe yours will be considered a misdemeanor so you'll be safe in answering no and you'll never have to mention it.

Son, regardless of your reasons stealing is never right. Even a hungry man can get fed without stealing food. Those things you stole are things that you could have been patient in getting back when you had earned enough money.

Answer 3

Were you charged with "Petty Theft" or a felony? an example would be if you enetered the business with the intent to steal, you could be charged with Burglary a felony. We're you arrested by the store employees or the police? If you were told to stay away from Fry's do so. There are plenty of other stores you can shop at.

If you have no priors, you should plead for mery of the court, do some community service and be done with it. We're you told to appear at Muni court or Superior Court?

If you have the funds get a criminal attorney or a public defender if you have no funds to represent you.

Good luck and don't steal again

Answer 4

Since you are over 20 you won't be tried as a minor.
Do you have an attorney? You need one. Ask for an attorney as you are in college. They may work something out for you that you can do community service instead of jail time.

This is considered a misdemeanor , and a first offence so you may be able to get a good deal this time.

An attorney can negotiate for you because he knows the ropes. and you don't ...If you don't know your rights you don't have any...If you can't afford an attorney either ask the court for one or go to Legal Aide. It is listed in the telephone directory... I hope this helps you.....

Answer 5

You're trying to make yourself sound like Robin Hood!!! You'll be lucky to get off with a misdemeanor. By the way, don't step one toe into FRY's again. As far as all your worries, I will not ease them any I will simply say that you should have thought of that before you "stoled".

Answer 6

There is no excuse for stealing, PERIOD.
If you do not have a prior record, you could plead no contest (actually it is the same as pleading guilty) and get probation and "Deferred Adjudication". That means that if you successfully finish your probationary period without anymore illegal activity, your record will be cleared.

Good Luck.

Answer 7

For one thing you want to make sure your image is clean cut and respectful in court. Can't you find a lawyer to help you? you better not set foot in that FRY's again. They could arrest you for felony tresspassing.

Answer 8

How many times did you steal before you got caught? Never go into that store again. They could have you arrested for trespassing. There is no excuse for stealing and yes, you should be scared. You will find out in court what they decide to do. You could get a criminal record that will ruin your chances for a good job. Tell them that you are extremely sorry and beg them to forgive you.
If you are going to college you need to learn how to spell, write and use correct grammar. You are pathetic.

Answer 9

thats too funny how you gave reasons you stold those items, like if it makes it ok, but anyway it most likely will be on our record but i doubt it will affect your future opportunites cause its just an mp3 player

Answer 10

You are an idiot! All that money for college, what a waste.
Your earphone got chewed up by cats?Yea, and my mother is Martha Stewart.