Minor Caught Shoplifting in Florida - What Can I Expect

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida

Hi, I was recently caught shoplifting at Claire's. I live in Florida. I am 16 years old & I've never done anything against the law before. I have a court date coming up. The item that was stolen was a $5.50 key chain. What can I expect in court & I have a few other questions:
1. Will this affect whether I can get a job, before or after I turn 18?
2. Will this affect college for me?
3. What charges could I be facing?

Thank you so much for your help:]

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1. Will this affect whether I can get a job, before or after I turn 18?

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Yes and both

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2. Will this affect college for me?

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Yes

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3. What charges could I be facing?

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What is penal code your charged with? I suspect petty theft

:rolleyes:

You're charged in juvenile court, right?

We can guess at what you're charged with, but if you have a court date you should be able to look at the documents ordering you to appear in court and see the exact charge for yourself.

If so, this is truly your first offense, and you stay out of trouble, you may be able to avoid an adjudication. I would not expect this to affect your employment prospects, save perhaps at the store where you were caught and (if they add you to a database of known shoplifters) any stores that share their database. I would not expect this to have any effect on your college applications.