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Hey,
I'm 17 and I was caught stealing a $20 dollar wallet from Belk. I was caught and brought back to the loss prevention office where I signed the trespassing papers, and then the police became involved and I was written a ticket for theft by shoplifting for the amount of $20 and arrested and put into jail. Later, I was bonded out by my parents. What will happen now?
You will go to court and face the judge
Two things... one civil and one criminal.
You will receive a civil demand letter in the mail. This demand will be for between two and five hundred dollars. Pay it.
The criminal case will be for petty theft. You will want to explore diversion and first time offender possibilities. The best way to accomplish this is with the services of an attorney.
Attorneys will run somewhere between five hundred and a thousand dollars.
The conviction will most certainly involve a fine, court costs and probation including community service.
If you are saying, "Wow", you are correct. Stealing a $20 wallet will cost you the better part of two grand when it is all said and done.
Another complication is the court date is set in September, but I am moving to a different state this August, but I will be returning for the court date. What should I do if I do go with the diversion? And what does a diversion consist of?
Diversion programs vary and since your moving your probation may be impacted. Discuss all this with your Attorney
Hmm, alright. Thanks Jeff and Panther. Also, another question, would it be wise to contact the Belk loss prevention and communicate to come to terms with each other?
No it will do no good. Case has been turned over to Police and DA Belk is done with this outside of the Civil Demand mentioned by Jeff
Oh alright. Thanks. At the court case what is the likelihood of one of the loss prevention employees be present at the court case? Also, it's known that the judge has just given first offense minors a warning and a fine to pay, would this affect my record at all?
There is a good likihood the LP will be there. Many retailers pay their LPs to be in court. Your other question you should present to your Attorney.
Since I am 17, would this be considered an adult criminal offense, though?