Accused of Theft and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor After a Friend Stole
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio
So a few days ago my friend and i got caught stealing. I am 18, she's 17, shell be 18 in a month. What she stole was $3.98. Walmart brought us into the LP office and then called the police, ultimately we were arrested. My friend was let go. I was charged with Theft and Contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The only time i touched what she stole was when i grabbed it off the shelf and gave her it, she couldn't reach it. I thought she was going to buy the item, but i heard her rip the box open and then i started to look around after that, i was told that was me being a look out but truthfully i was trying to see if there were people so i could leave my friend and call someone to get me. The item was found on her, but I'm the only one being charged. I just want to know if theres a possibility I'm going to go to jail over this, I've never been in trouble. in my whole life. I've never cheated, lied, or stolen. The woman who booked me into the jail said the worst thing thats gonna happen to me is I'm going to be on probation and pay a fine, which i am 100% okay with. Do you think i can get a plea deal? I'm worrying myself sick over this.
Re: Accused of Theft and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor After a Friend St
Quote:
Quoting
mellllaf
...but i heard her rip the box open and then i started to look around after that, i was told that was me being a look out but truthfully i was trying to see if there were people so i could leave my friend and call someone to get me.
What does your ability to "see if there were people" have to do with your ability to use your phone, or to tell your friend, "You're stealing, and I want nothing to do with this"?
Quote:
Quoting mellllaf
The item was found on her, but I'm the only one being charged.
Should we infer, then, that after your attempt to "see if there were people", you chose not to separate from your friend, chose not to call anybody, and chose to walk out with your friend knowing that she was in the process of stealing the item she removed from the packaging?
When you and your friend were caught, did you accuse her of stealing without your participation? Did she say anything in your defense?
Quote:
Quoting mellllaf
Do you think i can get a plea deal?
What you will want to do is speak with a criminal defense lawyer about the availability of diversion programs or deferred sentencing in your county, and whether or not you qualify. You will want to look for a way to avoid a criminal conviction. You can discuss with your lawyer the chances of prevailing at trial, in the event that you decide not to enter into a plea bargain.
Your friend may not be completely off the hook -- she may get summoned to juvenile court.