Caught Shoplifting at Target, in Virginia

They could get a plea deal if they give you up as well.

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Quoting sk8te00

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ok we were stealing some cards..valued at $40 each...we took 7 total from all three targets ..i'm asking will they add the prices up to make it a felony or will they just charge seperatly or will they just go in as one offense but with 3 stores involved so that it won't be a felony..because 7 x 40 equal 210 with is a felony...and it is only a felony if that charges is one as whole like from one store not like three different store...

still confused? i understand it is hard to understand the situation as it is hard for me to describe it

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One way VA can charge a felony as a 3 for 1 combo is IF they have a specific statute or case law which allows them to be joined as a "continuing offense/crime" or such.

A person knows the felony limit, yet avoids this by stealing under that amount at each store within a certain time frame of days, etc. The law recognizes this and some states have made use of the continuing crime theory as a way to charge 1 crime instead of 3 or whatever # for felony purposes. Similar in a way to enhancements, first offense, misdemeanor, second, misdemeanor, 3rd felony, as an example.

The continuing crime/offense doctrine is also applicable in other areas of criminal law besides theft.

Your friends can consult with an attorney to see IF VA has such a law and how to proceed with the best defense, felony or not.

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Quoting sk8te00

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snip

mainly my questions are, what's going to happen on that first court date for my friends?

what's gonna happen to us for the second court date.

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What were they charged with, felony or petty theft? If they have a court date friday, they should know this already.

VA has a three strikes rule. If you are charged with misdemeanor theft three times, you can be charged with a felony for what they call a subsequent offense.

So, either you steal over $200 worth of merch, or you steal less than $200 dollars worth of goods three times and it is a felony either way.

Friends are friends forever, except when they rat you out to make a plea for themselves and you end up serving time.

Do your parents know already? My advice would be to get them involved and have them hire a lawyer for you so that you can minimize this spot on your record.

Also, are you sure that Law Enforcement and the Target Security know about the prior thefts? Or did you just admit to them?

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Quoting panther10758

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Not sure but they can go felony because of the multiple stores so you may be screwed no matter what. I would guess they would go with felony charges then try to get you to agree to plea deal that makes it misdemeanor

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what do you think the punishment would be... for a felony, minor, first offense, good grades

Without knowing the specific statute its hard to say but I would think a felony conviction would carry jail time

ok here is an update as of now...what do you think is our punishment...
grand larceny, 2 x petite larceny, and 3 x possesion of buglary tools.. and my brother got same as me execpt for the posseion of bulary tools...

is it true that you go to court,, get convicted then go to your juvenile intake officers.. because if that is true i don't have a second court date.. i just have to go talk the juvenile intake officers.....also will this come off my record when i'm 19.. and also can i get this expunged when i'm 18.. i've heard juvenile records are sealed when 18..will this effect my college app..when i apply after i turn 18