Shoplifting in Nevada

**rainforest** · 11-20-2005, 03:14 PM

I was caught shoplifting months ago at a local mall with under $100 dollars of merchandise. I am a minor and it is my first offense. My court appearance is in three days-- I have been trying to find Nevada laws regarding shoplifting and its penalties, and have found none. Can anyone tell me what is going to happen and give me an estimate on the fine? (Being a minor, I can not afford a lawyer, nor can my parents)

The store security told me that I could get this incident erased from my record after I turn 18 and only if I write to court. Is this possible?

**Mr. Knowitall** · 11-20-2005, 03:54 PM

If you can't afford a lawyer, you can request a court-appointed lawyer. You will probably receive probation and a fine (and maybe community service); a local lawyer should be able to estimate what your fine would be.

You can ultimately petition to have your juvenile criminal record sealed; you should discuss this with your probation officer.

**rainforest** · 11-20-2005, 08:37 PM

Thanks for answer my earlier questions, I have two more:

I signed a document in the interrogation room that stated that I stole the merchandise. Does this mean I still need a court-appointed lawyer?

This one may sound dumb, but will the judge take into consideration my grades ( I am valedictorian)?

**SteveG** · 11-20-2005, 09:55 PM

In some states if you have one minor offense, you can get it "expunged" or removed from your record. Usually juvenile records are automatically sealed when you turn 18. I suggest you double check this information before you rely on it. The local court clerk may be able to provide some general information on the subject outside of the courtroom.

If you signed a confession, unless you want to somehow dispute the legality of it, you have already indicated that you committed the crime. In this situation, I doubt a lawyer would make any difference.

You can try to demonstrate to the judge that this was a one-time mistake in judgement and that you are of good character. But since this is a misdemeanor, for which your state may not provide you an attorney if you otherwise qualify for one, the judge is mainly going to look at the fact that this is a first offense, that you confessed to the offense, and the facts and circumstances surrounding the crime. I suspect that you'll likely see a fine. If you have difficulty paying the fine, let the judge know. If you are afraid to speak out before the judge to tell him/her this, tell this to the court clerk when the judge directs you to pay the fine to the clerk.

Hopefully you have learned you lessson.