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Caught Shoplifting from Walmart, Already Had One Probation Meeting

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  • 12-31-2009, 12:50 AM
    dalgo
    Caught Shoplifting from Walmart, Already Had One Probation Meeting
    I am 17 years old and am currently living with my boyfriend under the permission of my parents. A little before Halloween of 09', I was caught shoplifting at a California Walmart. They decided to call the police and I was taken to the police station in handcuffs until my boyfriend's mother came and picked me up. I was also charged with first offence petty theft for stealing an amount less than $17. A few weeks ago the probation dept. called and scheduled a meeting with a probation officer. However, they also asked that my legal mother also be present. When we arrived my mother was already inside talking to the officer. Next, the probaiton officer asked to talk to the woman I am living with (my boyfriend's mother) but after less than 10 mintutes she was sent back out because she was in no way my legal guardian. Then the probation officer asked to talk to both me and my mom. She went over the consequences for shoplifting and said that I could pay up to a $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in juvenal hall and she also said the judge was known to sentence kids younger than me to probation until age 25. When I asked her if these were deffinately what was going to happen, all she said was "These are the consequences." and then also said she was going to wait until Winter vacation was over to look at my grades, attendance, etc....at school and then call me back for a second meeting to see if this was going to be sent to the court or kept with probation. The last thing she said was that if I was sentenced to probation until age 25, that I would be sent back with my parents and forced to live there until I turn 25. My questions are: will I get sent to juvie? will I get placed back with my parents? Will it even get sent to the court? and if I do get sent back with them, will it really be until I'm 25? I've been stressing about this until the point of physical sickness and I would really appriciate a responce asap. I know what I've done and I know it was a very dumb decision which will never be made again. I have a lot of goals and tasks I'm working on now that I live out of my parents house and I really dont' want this to interfere with my future. Please help.

    Also: during the first probation meeting, no papers were exchanged or signed.
  • 12-31-2009, 07:01 AM
    cyjeff
    Re: Caught Shoplifting from Walmart, Already Had One Probation Meeting, Waiting for N
    We can't predict the future.

    However, I will say that your boyfriend's mother had no reason to include herself in the process. She was trying to pretend she was your legal guardian... and is not.

    I am going to hazard a guess and say you didn't call your mother because then she would make you come home.

    As to your future and hopes and dreams... all the judge will see is that since you have lived on your own (well, actually, just shacking up with your boyfriend), you have started stealing.
  • 12-31-2009, 06:50 PM
    dalgo
    Re: Caught Shoplifting from Walmart, Already Had One Probation Meeting
    Well thankyou for answering absolutely nothing. If you want to be rude then perhaps you should consider a less serious forum. This is for people with real questions expecting real answers that will actually help.
  • 12-31-2009, 09:53 PM
    PandorasBox
    Re: Caught Shoplifting from Walmart, Already Had One Probation Meeting
    Honey....

    He told it to you straight up.

    Your boyfriends mom is NOT your legal guardian and has no right to act as so.

    I agree, the judge is going to see this: Girl moves out from under parents (legal guardians) and begins to shoplift.

    If you are forced to move home, and want out....remember, I am not a lawyer, this is just common sense...
    - Graduate from high school.
    - Get a part time job while finishing school
    - once done with school, get a full time job.
    - While working, set up a savings account and put as much as you can into it. I would suggest 1 years worth of rent before you try to get permission to move out; no public assistance; no pregnancy; no food stamps.
    - Keep out of trouble.

    If you don't like our advice....please go pay a lawyer for his/her advice....

    PS: Bear in mind that we are VOLUNTEERS - we do not get paid for the time we spend responding to questions, then having people like you having an attitude problem.

    PPS: Keep that attitude...the judge and probation officer will love it.
  • 12-31-2009, 09:57 PM
    cyjeff
    Re: Caught Shoplifting from Walmart, Already Had One Probation Meeting
    Quote:

    Quoting dalgo
    View Post
    Well thankyou for answering absolutely nothing. If you want to be rude then perhaps you should consider a less serious forum. This is for people with real questions expecting real answers that will actually help.

    I gave you exactly the correct legal advice.

    If you get your nose out of joint everytime someone tells you a truth you don't want to hear, you are going to have a very grumpy life.

    Judges don't give the northbound end of a southbound horse about all that backstory. Your case will be given, at max, 10 minutes.

    You don't believe the PO. You don't believe me. Maybe you will eventually find someone that gives you the answer you want.

    I would start packing in the meantime.
  • 01-01-2010, 10:56 PM
    PandorasBox
    Re: Caught Shoplifting from Walmart, Already Had One Probation Meeting
    Since you had to ask the same question twice, and got the same answers...

    may I recommend an appointment with a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

    Doubtful significant other will get to stay in the current living situation as (1) Too poor to afford the halloween costume, (2) shoplifted after moving out.

    As for the Halloween costume....I'd suggest before trying to be out on ones own again - take a budgeting class and learn financial priorities, how to prepare and live on a budget. Rent, food, staples (deodorant, toothpaste, toilet paper) are the priority. Halloween Costume is a luxury. That along with my previous receommendation.
  • 01-02-2010, 12:16 AM
    dalgo
    Re: Caught Shoplifting from Walmart, Already Had One Probation Meeting
    Pandora, I'm sorry if I came off with an attitude it's just...well first off I'm a boy living with his boyfriend haha so I can see why you thought I was just some little girl running away to be with her romeo. The fact of the matter is I was forced to leave home because of my sexuality and my boyfriend's loving mother was kind enough to take me in. And as for budgeting, it's hard to get by sometimes on a single parent income with 3 minors in the house. It's a bit of a tricky situation. My main concern is just not going back to the abusive enviroment of my parents or a facility. I just want to keep on going with my goals right now and forget about this mistake and pay it off with fines and community service.
  • 01-02-2010, 08:08 AM
    PandorasBox
    Re: Caught Shoplifting from Walmart, Already Had One Probation Meeting
    Apology accepted.

    This is just common sense advice:
    - Finish school, or get your GED.

    - In the meantime, you and your boyfriend need to go get part-time jobs and contribute to the household expenses. Retail is a 50/50 chance, as you may be in the National Retail Theft Database. Fast food....try applying for McD's, etc.,

    The job market is tough, but you have a better chance than an adult trying to get into fast food. It may suck, but it's a job...and having a job now may give a few points in your favor with the judge.

    - You definitely need a lawyer. Both because of the shoplifting and potential for harsh punishment. You also have a very unique situation with your living arrangment and parental situation. I think you need more than a public defender on this one.

    good luck, and keep us updated if you can.

    - Also, check your local food banks, Gleaners, etc - that should help a bit.
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