Habitual Shoplifting, Caught Twice Within Months
My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey.
Hi. I was caught shopp lifting at dicks sporting goods a few weeks ago. I still haven't gone to court yet, but my court date is next week. I was caught with burglary tool, around 500$ of items and resisting arrest( I ran away).i do not expect it to go well. Today, I got caught again. Before I say this, I know it doesn't matter and I'm absolutely idiotic. I went to sears with my friends and my friends convinced me to shoplift again. I made up all excuses to not shoplift but I unfortunately committed the same act. I got got caught stealing cologne around 52$. But the manager added my friend's items and mine together , which came out to be 162$. He said we were are co conspirers. Both my friends are minors but I'm 18. Will I be screwed for the rest of my life? Will I face jail time? Is expungement even an option anymore? I know this is a stupid question, but I don't want to get my hopes up. Will the second shop lifting case drastically hurt me at the court hearing for my first case?
Thank you for reading.
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I'm sorry everyone. Title meant to say weeks, not months
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
Why yes, you likely will. You are part of an organized theft ring. It is clear you make a habit of this and finally got caught twice. You really need a lawyer.
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
Well, here's my story.
I shoplifted one time to try to get out of living with my grandmother. First offense.
4 years later, I can't even get a job doing Data Entry. So....$2500 between lawyer and all the fines and fees and civil demand. Add another $84,000 in lost income...
You're young, you might get a McJob.
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
How much did you steal? And are you planning to expunge your record?
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
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Secondtimeoffense
How much did you steal? And are you planning to expunge your record?
How much Pandy stole and whether she is eligible for expungement is irrelevant to your situation. Laws vary by state, and MI's are different from NJ's.
The fact that you were caught again so quickly - and while awaiting a court date! - is going to weigh heavily against you. Additionally, while expungement MAY be an option after all is said and done, depending on what you're eventually convicted of, you can't apply for TEN YEARS after you complete your sentence or probation. Your first instance of getting caught up there is Grand Theft, a felony, and possession of a burglary tool is also a felony. So, for example, you get five years probation. Ten years after you complete your probation, you may be able to apply for an expungement. (Read more here.)
It's way too early to worry about an expungement, pal. Right now, you need to worry about your court dates. Retain counsel. If you can't afford a private attorney, you need to plead Not Guilty in court and ask for a Public Defender.
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
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LawResearcherMissy
How much Pandy stole and whether she is eligible for expungement is irrelevant to your situation. Laws vary by state, and MI's are different from NJ's.
The fact that you were caught again so quickly - and while awaiting a court date! - is going to weigh heavily against you. Additionally, while
expungement MAY be an option after all is said and done, depending on what you're eventually convicted of, you can't apply for TEN YEARS after you complete your sentence or probation. Your first instance of getting caught up there is Grand Theft, a felony, and possession of a burglary tool is also a felony. So, for example, you get five years probation. Ten years after you complete your probation, you may be able to apply for an expungement. (Read more
here.)
It's way too early to worry about an expungement, pal. Right now, you need to worry about your court dates. Retain counsel. If you can't afford a private attorney, you need to plead Not Guilty in court and ask for a Public Defender.
I really appreciate the information. Thank you. And yes, I am fully aware I'm in a really bad situation. My court date for the dicks charge in next week. Tomorrow I'm signing up for volunteering and I'm also signing up for an online shoplifting help program that gives a certificate when completed. The volunteer work is to look good for the judge, but the help program is for self purposes( as I am aware I have a terrible problem). I am a good student with great extracurriculars but I know since I committed a crime, I'm just an ordinary criminal. Will the court be notified I was recently arrested? And will the charge be that much worse because of this second offense?
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
I realize you are really a screwed up individual, however, referring to yourself as a dick is a bit harsh.
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
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Will the court be notified I was recently arrested?
Of course it will be. And the court will not be happy to see you twice in quick succession.
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
Mine was one dress. I don't qualify for expungment for another 10 months. See how much shoplifting can cost you?
You've done it twice....I hope my story will make you think before you go for a third charge.....
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
For your first charge, they may not know of your second charge. Your second charge will definitely know about your first charge. See if your lawyer can combine both charges if possible. Good luck to you and stop stealing.
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
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LawResearcherMissy
Of course it will be. And the court will not be happy to see you twice in quick succession.
Do you think i will face jail time? My lawyer( with no knowledge of the second offense) said for the first offense, I will get a hefty fine and most likely no jail time, but with this second offense, I think i will be facing jail time. I have called my lawyer's office, but he is sick as of now. I am constantly calling. Does anyone know how much jail time i could be facing? No one wants to face jail time, but i believe that the jail time can help me out. Its almost summer. I would somewhat be glad with 2 months of jail to fully break me down and turn me into a new person. and Honestly, i deserve jail time. Please don't go easy on me. I am ready to know the full consequences of my actions.
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
Tell your lawyer of your second charge. He is here to help you. The second charge throws a wrench into the plan for the first charge.
Maybe they can give you jail time and completion of the jail time the charges dropped.
Re: Caught Twice Within a Few Months.
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bam!
Tell your lawyer of your second charge. He is here to help you. The second charge throws a wrench into the plan for the first charge.
Maybe they can give you jail time and completion of the jail time the charges dropped.
Do you know how much psychotherapy for shoplifting is? and do you have any suggestions? I have been looking in NASP shoplifting prevention program. They offer over-thephone coaching sessions ( 85$ an hour) and online courses. I know for a fact i'm doing online courses, but i rather talk to a real person face to face than over the phone. would a regular therapist work?
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Also, my lawyer was attempting for PTI for my first charge. I am assuming i messed my chances up for PTI. I am in absolute depression right now, but it is good for me. I am thinking more clearly now and I am making significant changes in my life. Once again, don't go easy on me with the details. I wish to know how much i screwed up my chances for PTI, if i didn't completely ruin my chances already.