Going to Court for Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Shoplifting.

Hello experts. I am trying to predict what the consequences of my horrible actions will be and what it will do to me and my family. I shoplifted two shirts worth up to $33 total, and the LP caught me. In their office, they took all my info, my picture (with a camera) and for some reason, copied my I.D card on a copier machine. After that, they notified my parents and the police came. He read my rights and took photos of the shirts, and the backpack that I used during the accidental crime. They said that I will go to court and my fine might be up to 200 - 400 dollars.

What I would like to know is..
1) Since my two items are under 50, what do you guys think my charges will be?

2) How much do you expect the TOTAL charges be? (Please mention the separate charges that might occur.)

3) Will I get a civil demand; because the office didn't mention anything about it.

4) How long will the process be? I've been worrying all week, and I'm quite young, so I am studying the process too see what will happen. This includes courts and such, but I would like to know how long it will take, and the shortest path.

5) What is it like in court? Honestly, I'm a straight 4.0 student, and I'm scared that I might skip out on school. People say since this is my first time/crime, people say I might get a slap on the wrist, small fine and community service. Since I do many hours of community service every trimester, I would like to know any further punishments I should know.

I'm sorry for my wall of text. I am very scared of what is going to occur in my life during the process of 2011. I wish this experience to be as less costly and short as possible, because my stupid mistake has costed my whole family into depression. PLEASE, I beg you, PLEASE help me answer these questions. Every second of my life makes me fall into a deep period of sad thoughts, and I get worried really easily. I would like to be as acknowledged as possible as a enter court.

Thanks to everyone that helps answer this thread or at least takes a look at it. If you read it at least, my gratitude also applies to you, for I know you spent some of your time reading something that might help me.

God Bless you ~

EDIT: I am a minor, many years away from 18. I'm barely starting high school to be at the most specific. Thanks ~

You're a minor so what state this happened in matters.

If you haven't been in trouble before normally you go before a juvenile committee which is non criminal. They usually make you do community service of some sort and make you write a letter of apology to the store. If you stay out of trouble the charges go away. If you get into trouble again you could end up in juvenile court.

Any civil demand that would be issued would be to your parents since you're a minor and they're legally responsible for you.

After reading your post it doesn't sound like your a juvenile since you made no mention of your parents as far as the court process goes.

What was the ID that store LP photo copied? And depending on the state store LP usually doesn't photograph minors.

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Quoting ollie

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You're a minor so what state this happened in matters.

If you haven't been in trouble before normally you go before a juvenile committee which is non criminal. They usually make you do community service of some sort and make you write a letter of apology to the store. If you stay out of trouble the charges go away. If you get into trouble again you could end up in juvenile court.

Any civil demand that would be issued would be to your parents since you're a minor and they're legally responsible for you.

After reading your post it doesn't sound like your a juvenile since you made no mention of your parents as far as the court process goes.

What was the ID that store LP photo copied? And depending on the state store LP usually doesn't photograph minors.

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The store was H&M. They took both photos and placed it into a brown package. As of a Juvenile, I've never gotten in trouble. My parents are just upset because I am a first generation asian and they never witnessed shopping or shoplifting before; (Off topic: They think a B is like an F, meaning they are really strict about everything that I say and do) Will I get charges in the court? I am scared about the Civil Demand and Criminal Suits too, but I am focusing on things one at a time.

Ok listen. First off you'll be fine with the charges. You'll got through a juvenile diversion program and have to do some community service but it won't be anything that stays on your record for the rest of your life. The amount of the civil demand fine depends on what state you are in.

Now as far as the strictness of your Asian parents, (I'm guessing you're Korean) don't feel too bad. I can't tell you how many kids of strict Asian parents act out by shoplifting. It's pretty common. Talk to your parents honestly about how you're feeling but don't expect them to understand. They feel they're strictness should have prevented you from stealing and they will have a hard time realizing that it may be what drove you to it.

I understand how frustrating being a teenager is with overbearing parents but they just want what's best for you. Just do yourself a favor and find a better outlet for your frustrations. Remember, college is only a few years away and that's were all the real fun is anyway.

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Quoting ollie

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Ok listen. First off you'll be fine with the charges. You'll got through a juvenile diversion program and have to do some community service but it won't be anything that stays on your record for the rest of your life. The amount of the civil demand fine depends on what state you are in.

Now as far as the strictness of your Asian parents, (I'm guessing you're Korean) don't feel too bad. I can't tell you how many kids of strict Asian parents act out by shoplifting. It's pretty common. Talk to your parents honestly about how you're feeling but don't expect them to understand. They feel they're strictness should have prevented you from stealing and they will have a hard time realizing that it may be what drove you to it.

I understand how frustrating being a teenager is with overbearing parents but they just want what's best for you. Just do yourself a favor and find a better outlet for your frustrations. Remember, college is only a few years away and that's were all the real fun is anyway.

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Thank you very much for your reply. You lightened my stress just by a little bit. If you could provide any estimate, that would be even better. I've talked to my mom, and she said she was okay with any reasonable pricing for me to learn my lesson, but a lot of grusome insults have gone through with my dad. Hopefully I can fastene this process.

For the amount you stole I wouldn't expect the fine to be more than $150.

Your dad will get over it after awhile. He's blaming himself for this more than you so don't let it get you down.

I hope you're estimates are accurate. If it is only $150, that's amazing. if you're talking about the court fee only, not that much :( If this was the civil demand only, I would be screaming at the top of my lungs feeling I am very lucky to be charged so very little.

If I could get more responses, the average could hopefully help me find an accurate fee.

What state are you in? I would expect the Civil Demand to be atleast $150...it could be higher. It depends on your state's civil restitution laws.

Your parents can also expect court costs and fines. If you get Community Service, there is a fee. How much...it depends on your local court system. A good estimate is:
Courts costs, fines: $300
Community Service: $400 (yep, someone has to keep track of your hours, file paperwork, etc).
(If you have supervised probation, or Anti-Shoplifting class, there are fees for these also).

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Quoting PandorasBox

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What state are you in? I would expect the Civil Demand to be atleast $150...it could be higher. It depends on your state's civil restitution laws.

Your parents can also expect court costs and fines. If you get Community Service, there is a fee. How much...it depends on your local court system. A good estimate is:
Courts costs, fines: $300
Community Service: $400 (yep, someone has to keep track of your hours, file paperwork, etc).
(If you have supervised probation, or Anti-Shoplifting class, there are fees for these also).

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Is it really that much? With the courts cost, community service and civil demand, does that mean its going to be like $750? Sounds a lot to me because some people say since my theft was under $50, they can only charge me less than $250. I live in California, so what do you think a rough estimate to apply to a shopping retail store is?

Civil demand and criminal court costs are 2 different animals. So yeah, you are looking at $500+ total for your $50 crime. The fine mentioned by ollie did not include the additional fees that Pandora did include. Is it possible that you might escape with only $150 court fine and $150 Civil Demand? I suppose anything is possible but you should prepare yourself (and your parentals) for the probability of costs more along the line of what Pandora listed.

As a side note, I can't believe they took your picture. Most companies do not allow taking pictures of minors. But different strokes for different folks.

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Quoting free9man

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Civil demand and criminal court costs are 2 different animals. So yeah, you are looking at $500+ total for your $50 crime. The fine mentioned by ollie did not include the additional fees that Pandora did include. Is it possible that you might escape with only $150 court fine and $150 Civil Demand? I suppose anything is possible but you should prepare yourself (and your parentals) for the probability of costs more along the line of what Pandora listed.

As a side note, I can't believe they took your picture. Most companies do not allow taking pictures of minors. But different strokes for different folks.

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Really? May I use what they did against them in any way? or is it just a policy of people? I also find it straight how the cops didn't take a picture of me but the attendent or the LP did. Is it legal? I don't expect a 150 dollar civil demand either. I hope to gain a 150 - 300 dollar one. If i get over that, then I'll probably weep in the corner and realize what I have done. To solve the situation, I'll probably sell all of my clothes and electronis to pay it off, since I am old enough to do that mistake. (I should be old enough to resolve it :P)

I don't know that company's rules so I can't say if they did anything wrong or not. If they did, the most you can achieve is to get them to erase/destroy the photo.

Thank you for clarifying that for me. Since I can't really try to slice off some of my civil demand, is there a way I can get no fees in the court? I never knew you had to pay for community service.. Sounds like it is a load of BS since I am doing all of the work, but then again, I am the criminal here.

So in california, civil demands can reach up to $500. What is the estimate in court. I know for sure it isn't going to be 250 dollars unless I plead guilty right away. Is there a way I can plead something that isn't going to get me any fees/payments but I can do somekind of work for it? I know I already said I did it in the office, but there weren't eye witnesses, so I may deny my point there. Though, they have a camera, so in the end, I might as well be guilty. Any help or suggestions?

Thanks ~ God Bless You.

You have to pay for Community Service for this reason....

Someone has to verify your hours, quality of work performed. This has to be kept on file for the duration of the time you are there.

THEN....forms to send to court stating you worked your hours. He/She has to sign off, and keep a copy in his/her records.

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Quoting PandorasBox

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You have to pay for Community Service for this reason....

Someone has to verify your hours, quality of work performed. This has to be kept on file for the duration of the time you are there.

THEN....forms to send to court stating you worked your hours. He/She has to sign off, and keep a copy in his/her records.

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Do you have any idea how much it will cost? Say 10 hours, 50 hours and 100 hours? Never knew this could cost so much in court, but do you think it will be less than $250?

It really varies by the judge. I had mine for an Open Container of Alcohol after my car accident 4 years ago.

I had a Diversion Program which included 40 hours of Community Service for around $400. (I liked what I was doing so much that I volunteered after my program ended).

Typically, they will assign you the place to perform at, or may give you a list of options.

Here, they gave up to 6 months to perform it (thought you really do want to do it as quick as possible).

Do not think you will do a half-assed job. You will work your butt off, and do the best job you can do. You will ask permission to use the bathroom, etc.

Shoplifting is expensive. Next time you are in a WalMart dressing room or bathroom....look for the sign on the wall. That first offense can cost $2000+ (not including lawyer). And they are not kidding.

As for the court costs/fines...unfortunately, you will not be able to say YOU are too poor to pay. As you are a minor, your parents have the responsibility of paying everything.

Now if they make you do chores, Chores, CHORES to pay them back....that's up to them.

Selling your clothes is a nice idea, but....may I ask how? And how selling your clothes will raise $800+ dollars?

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Quoting PandorasBox

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It really varies by the judge. I had mine for an Open Container of Alcohol after my car accident 4 years ago.

I had a Diversion Program which included 40 hours of Community Service for around $400. (I liked what I was doing so much that I volunteered after my program ended).

Typically, they will assign you the place to perform at, or may give you a list of options.

Here, they gave up to 6 months to perform it (thought you really do want to do it as quick as possible).

Do not think you will do a half-assed job. You will work your butt off, and do the best job you can do. You will ask permission to use the bathroom, etc.

Shoplifting is expensive. Next time you are in a WalMart dressing room or bathroom....look for the sign on the wall. That first offense can cost $2000+ (not including lawyer). And they are not kidding.

As for the court costs/fines...unfortunately, you will not be able to say YOU are too poor to pay. As you are a minor, your parents have the responsibility of paying everything.

Now if they make you do chores, Chores, CHORES to pay them back....that's up to them.

Selling your clothes is a nice idea, but....may I ask how? And how selling your clothes will raise $800+ dollars?

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Honestly, I only thought that the full cost of court would be 500 - 600 dollars. My mom said that she would help me with my financial burden, but my dad disagreed. I was planning to sell my ipod and laptop, about 400 - 500 total. After that, if i make a good sale, I can rake in 100 - 200 more through tutoring kids and selling my clothes. Do you really think it is 800 dollars+? I guess from other comments, the ratio for community service hours would be 100 bucks to 10 hours. Hopefully I can get 30 hours considering I am already doing community service at elementary schools (tutoring). What do you think about the situation? :)

It's nice you are already doing volunteer work.

Community Service is a form of punishment. So while you volunteer with kids right now, that will not count towards your punishment. You may find yourself mowing lawns, painting the curbs at the court house, picking up trash from the roadside....

The whole shoplifting experience can easily come to over $800. If you were an adult, you would require a lawyer or public defender ($250+ for a p.d.). You would also be in a position of freaking out about job opportunities.

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Quoting PandorasBox

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It's nice you are already doing volunteer work.

Community Service is a form of punishment. So while you volunteer with kids right now, that will not count towards your punishment. You may find yourself mowing lawns, painting the curbs at the court house, picking up trash from the roadside....

The whole shoplifting experience can easily come to over $800. If you were an adult, you would require a lawyer or public defender ($250+ for a p.d.). You would also be in a position of freaking out about job opportunities.

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So I should prepare at least 800 dollars of fundings? I thought it would be much cheaper because people have said "You will get a slap on the wrist and community service of some kind" Usually, that comes to about 600. Hopefully I can erase my records after 18, but in the mean time, I an worrying about the money. Do you advise to ignore the civil demands? That will definitely cut my bill short and I'll have the court to worry about. Is it true that a public defender will show up in court, or will I have to find one my own? (Will the Judge appoint me one at my very spot during my court meeting or not?) Thank you for aiding me through my preparations for my first (and last) court meeting. I can't thank you enough for answering my questions due to the fact that my parents know nothing of this process, so I must be responsible enough to study the prices.

God Bless you ~