i got arrested for shoplifting (a $9.99 belt...) I'm 17 years old, what do you think will happen in court?

I am an attorney and I know a lot about this subject. Do not take this as creating an attorney-client relationship. You may, however, find it helpful.

Because you are under age, the case will be prosecuted in juvenile court.

What you absolutely must do is consult an attorney. There may be a diversion or deferred sentencing program available. If you are admitted to the program and you complete the requirements successfully you may be able to avoid having a criminal conviction on your record. Even if diversion or deferred sentencing is not available, an attorney can advise you on your best strategy for minimizing the punishment you will have to face.

Do not expect judges, prosecutors, or other court staff to give you good advice. It is not their job to protect your interests. Some of them perceive an unrepresented person as an opportunity to quickly process a case. That usually means that the consequences for you would be worse than if you are represented by a lawyer.

If you do not have an attorney on board by the time of the court appearance, tell the judge that you want to talk to an attorney. If you and your parents do not have the money to pay for an attorney, ask the judge to appoint one for you. Probably, the judge will then set the matter over for another day and not require you to enter a plea. If you must enter a plea at that time, then just plead “not guilty”. Make sure that you do not make any statements to the judge, prosecutor, or anyone else, in or out of court, about what happened, other than the fact that you have been charged with shoplifting.

If convicted as a first offense, jail time is rare. A fine, probation, and community service are more likely. Repeat offenders eventually go to jail, sometimes for a long time.

Although the criminal proceedings are the worst part, unfortunately you will probably have to deal with something called a “civil demand”. In most states, if you are caught shoplifting, even if not convicted, the store can sue you for damages and a penalty. Usually, this is many times the value of the goods you tried to steal. If you do receive a civil demand and you do not pay voluntarily, it may be possible for the store to add attorney fees to the debt if it sues you, which could run into the thousands of dollars. Again because you are under age, your parents are probably legally liable for the civil demand.

You have probably already been given an order banning you from the store. If not, you can expect to receive one in the mail. Take that seriously, If you go into the store again or even onto the parking lot, you can be arrested for criminal trespass.

Your name may be entered into a national retail theft database, whether or not you are ever convicted. This database is not open to the public, but it is open to any member retail company. The retailers check this when anyone applies for a job and if your name shows up on it you are usually not hired. So, do not ever expect to work in retail.

Hopefully, you will get through this experience with out too many adverse consequences, learn your lesson, and stay straight from here on out.

why the hell are you going to court for this? i live in Ontario and rarely people get arrested for these kinds of things.. they just let you go and "ban" you from the place if you wish. i don't think they will do much, at most you will have to pay a small fine but really, how many teenagers do you think steal little things on a regular basis? the judge will be so used to kids like you, and considering you're not even 18 so it won't even go on your record, nothing much will happen.

Are you a young offender, do you have any previous conviction? If it is your first time being trailed and you are only a juvenile you probably won't get a prison sentence. The court would look at your character, background and facts of the case to consider the appropriate sentence. You may like get a probation order or community service.

pay a fine dont know how much if you didnt already the store may ban you for life or some time, maybe summary probation which means u dont report to anyone. idk wat else

wow they are pressing charges? Ouch.. My brother got caught stealing some headphones for his psp and they just called my mother. He is also not aloud back in the store. Since they are pressing charges you may have to pay a fine and or community service. Once you hit 18 and you get caught again regardless of the price you may see a little jail time. Its honestly not worth it save your money and buy what you need stealing will get you no where and wont teach you the value of a dollar.

You'll have it on your record, which will effect future employment opportunities (almost everyone does a criminal check these days) and possibly university admissions. Sorry to say, but that was an expensive 9.99.

DO NOT STEAL! I LEARNED THE HARD WAY - it is a big deal no matter WHAT your stealing. You will probably get a fine...but if it happens again.....who knows. probably jail time.

death penalty without a doubt.........................lol

house arrest,community service,or probation/fines

Aw, man... I'm so sorry. That's an awful thing. Good luck. Sorry I can't help more...

ROFL. At least get something nice.

More than likely there is a diversion program and you'll have to write an apology letter or community service. You probably wont get charged.

They will probably cut off one of your hands. Not really, if it is your first offense you will probably just get probation.

You might get a heavy fine a ban from that store and you might go to jail for a few nights

pay some fines do commuinty work

y would u do that? .... sad.

First time is usually a fine and a misdemeanor. In many states, second time is a felony. Don't steal, it's not worth it. Also, 17 is considered an adult in most states when it comes to criminal issues even though you are technically emancipated.

idk never been stupid enough to shoplift

community service?

thrown away for life! lol jk dont be doin sh*t like that anymore scooter you are almost a grownup and then can be tried as one

I Got Arrested For Shoplifting

1

Maybe the judge will smack you upside the head with the belt you stole.

More likely than not you will be sentenced to death by electric chair, too bad, you could have made something of your life if you hadn't stolen a ******* belt like some kind of jackass.

they'll probably publicly lash you with it as an example to others

ok my older brother (19) did something stupid like that.. and my boyfriend (19) also did something stupid like that.. they can try you harder cause your over the age now.. but it shouldn't be bad at all.. no worries.. but i mean come on you gotta take the Tag OFF before you lift it.. oi.. amatures..