Caught Stealing and Worried About My Criminal Record

Yeah you guys are right, I am guilty of everything that happened on that fateful day.

It's just really hard being me at the moment. Now, I'm not saying that no one else isn't in a worse situation than I am. But school is just driving me nuts (My parents want me to be an A+/AP student and I try my best to deliver.), my social and love life feel like they're going down the drain to begin with, my Ex hates me and I hate myself for even having a clingy personality, and social wise I feel like I don't have anyone to hang with that could be a good influence. Honestly this whole situation could be because I was accepted as friend in with these group of kids that play cards as well. But there isn't anyone to be blamed but I. So like everyone has said in this thread, I should just suit up, shut up, and deal with in the best way I could.

You screwed up but what is done is done,don't do it again and learn from it,no use stressing out so much. It sucks but being 17 you will be charged as an adult,it's best to hire a lawyer like the others said,be quiet and follow their advice. It could be a long shot but with a good lawyer maybe they can push for a dismal b.c the amount is low and they can say your a good kid and a conviction will sting. I would explain that to a lawyer,he could try for a diversion program also if that's available or get the charge lowered to a class C misdemeanor with adjudication withheld and file for expungement. I think being 17 can help b.c I think stores sometimes have a database of shoplifting but I think it's only for those 18 and over.

cbg

I agree, completely, of course, that forethought would be a lot better than afterthought and that an apology after one is caught usually comes across as an expression of sorrow about being busted, not for the wrongful act.

Sorry about the gender mistake!

i agree on this post, what is done is done, All u can do is pray, no need to stress urself over it.

i myself hire a experience lawyer, be honest with him, and hopefully he can get my case dismiss.

Quote:

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Quoting tc498

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You screwed up but what is done is done,don't do it again and learn from it,no use stressing out so much. It sucks but being 17 you will be charged as an adult,it's best to hire a lawyer like the others said,be quiet and follow their advice. It could be a long shot but with a good lawyer maybe they can push for a dismal b.c the amount is low and they can say your a good kid and a conviction will sting. I would explain that to a lawyer,he could try for a diversion program also if that's available or get the charge lowered to a class C misdemeanor with adjudication withheld and file for expungement. I think being 17 can help b.c I think stores sometimes have a database of shoplifting but I think it's only for those 18 and over.

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Okay, well it's been about 3 weeks since the incident, and I believe I lost my citation note. :/ Now I know I HAVE to go to court, and right now I have no idea when my court hearing is, other that knowing it's some time early in January.

I have yet to contact a lawyer. And if so I should probably contact one promptly. How long does it usually take for a lawyer to arrive?

Is it possible that I can get a cheap but effective lawyer? I really don't want my parents to have to pay a large sum of money for what I did, and the economy is hitting them enough as it is.

And about the hearing date. How can I find out when my court hearing is? I've cleaned my room and I have no idea when it'll be and I have no intentions on going to jail only because I didn't know when I had to show up for court. :confused:

You can call the Clerk of the Court for the county/jurisdiction you were arrested. Look them up online or in the phone book. They should be able to give you your court date. And sometimes it may even be listed online.

You need to talk to your parents NOW about either a lawyer or getting a Public Defender (if they cannot afford the money for a lawyer). Even the P.D. will cost your parents money. If your parents are able to afford a lawyer - it can be atleast a thousand...

Do you have a link to where I may find information on my court date or to contact the Clerk?

Also Yes, my parents have been talking about getting a lawyer but they won't get one until we find the date that I have to go to court.

Do a search for (your county), (State abbreviation), court