What Will Happen to a 17-Year-Old Who Was Caught Shoplifting
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio
The other day at Walmart I was caught taking $115 worth of make up. My sister (20) talked me into it and I really regret it. The LP guy took me into the office but before we got there he said I wouldn't be in trouble as long as I didn't try to run. When we got into the office he took my id and wrote down my info and called the cops and had me call a parent. I'm 17 but will be 18 next month. He said because I'm a minor it shouldn't be on my permanent record. My record is clean and I've never been to court. I've never even been pulled over. I really regret doing it but I don't know what I'm supposed to expect. I was told I would have to go to court and pay a fine but I'm reading things saying I could go to jail!! Please help. What would most likely be my punishment? Can I be charged as an adult for this?? I can't afford a lawyer. Do I need one? What should I be prepared for? What if I turn 18 before I go to court?
Re: 17 Caught Shoplifting. What Should I Expect
In Ohio, I suspect this level of charge would NOT be transferred to adult court and it only matters what age you were at the time you committed the crime. If you are adjudicated delinquent on this (what they call being convicted in juvi) then it will be on your record. It won't be clean anymore. The court has the discretion (but not the obligation) to remove such records after two years have passed since you're off any sentence/probation given.
A lawyer would be well advised. If your family (not just you) are indigent, a public defender may be available.
You (and your parents) can also expect a demand from the Walmart's "lawyers" demanding compensation of a few hundred dollars for the damages miscreants like you cause them.
Re: 17 Caught Shoplifting. What Should I Expect
Thank you. Will I have to go to juvi or do community service or do a program or something? Will there be a lot of people there when I go to court or will it just be me and the judge? What's going to happen once I get there?
Re: 17 Caught Shoplifting. What Should I Expect
You'll need to have a parent there. Juvenile procedings are by default open to the public. How many people will be there will depend on the court and how busy they are.
Re: 17 Caught Shoplifting. What Should I Expect
What kind of a punishment am I looking at? Should I plead guilty or not guilty? Will the sheriff and the people from the store be there? Do I just stand in front of the judge and they tell me what's going to happen right there?
Re: 17 Caught Shoplifting. What Should I Expect
Never plead guilty unless you have legal counsel as to the consequences of doing otherwise. Yes, a representative of the state (either a prosecutor or cop) and the witness (the store employees) will be there. You need to be talking to your parents and a lawyer about this.