Shoplifting in New Jersey at Wal-Mart

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New jersey

I got caught shop lifting at wal-mart in NJ. I was caught stealing an item worth $29.88. I'm 17 years old too, a minor. They dick of a store cop said i was going to jail because i was over 16 and it was over $25, and then immediately released into the custody of my mom. That didnt happen, the store cop called the police and they said just to let me go but they took down my information. They said I was banned from walmart and sams club forever. And if i do go to any walmart, it would be considered criminal trespassing. They said i was going to get a letter in the mail which i will have to appear in court. and ontop of that i have to pay up to a $150 fine.

What does the court usually decide for a first offense shoplifting charge for a minor living in NJ.

And are they going to do a drug test?:wallbang:

Probation.
Fines.
Community Service.
Court Costs.

Jail is unlikely for a first offense.

When you get the summons to appear in court, make sure you don't miss the date. If you can afford a lawyer, get one in advance (many will offer a consultation for free). If not, plead not guilty when you appear in court and ask for a public defender. Your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain where you plead to a lesser charge or be able to get you into a diversion program which will allow you to avoid a criminal record.

The $150 fine "on top of that" is called a civil demand. While the court may impose fines if you're convicted, Wal-Mart is also permitted to send you (or your guardian, since you're a minor) a demand letter to recover damages from your shoplifting. If you don't pay the demand (and you don't have to!), they can sue you (or, rather, your guardian) for that money and add court costs and legal fees on top of it, although in practice they very rarely do. The civil demand is unrelated to any criminal proceedings.

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Quoting wal-mart

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My question involves criminal law for the state of: New jersey

I got caught shop lifting at wal-mart in NJ. I was caught stealing an item worth $29.88. I'm 17 years old too, a minor. They dick of a store cop said i was going to jail because i was over 16 and it was over $25, and then immediately released into the custody of my mom. That didnt happen, the store cop called the police and they said just to let me go but they took down my information. They said I was banned from walmart and sams club forever. And if i do go to any walmart, it would be considered criminal trespassing. They said i was going to get a letter in the mail which i will have to appear in court. and ontop of that i have to pay up to a $150 fine.

What does the court usually decide for a first offense shoplifting charge for a minor living in NJ.

And are they going to do a drug test?:wallbang:

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Wow...

Not only a punk but a thief and a burnout.

Your mom must just burst with pride every time she looks at you.

Civil demand, community service, probation (including drug testing)....

Whole thing shouldn't cost more than $2K.

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Quoting cyjeff

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Wow...

Not only a punk but a thief and a burnout.

Your mom must just burst with pride every time she looks at you.

Civil demand, community service, probation (including drug testing)....

Whole thing shouldn't cost more than $2K.

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Dont need to be yelled at thank you. but what i dont understand is why a first offender would have to do community service and probation...

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Quoting wal-mart

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Dont need to be yelled at thank you. but what i dont understand is why a first offender would have to do community service and probation...

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Cause you stole something that didn't belong to you.

When you commit grown up crimes you pay grown up penalties.

...and you think the store security guy is a "Dick". Wait til you meet the prosecutor and judge....

Here's hoping the attitude is more subdued when speaking to them!

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Quoting TheArgumentative

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Here's hoping the attitude is more subdued when speaking to them!

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never gave attitude what so ever. the store cop was just being a dick because he had to make up for his small stature.

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Quoting wal-mart

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Dont need to be yelled at thank you. but what i dont understand is why a first offender would have to do community service and probation...

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Because the repeat offenders get jail time and parole :D

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Quoting wal-mart

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never gave attitude what so ever. the store cop was just being a dick because he had to make up for his small stature.

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You WILL have to do community service and probation--this is in lieu of jail for first time offenders. If you fail to do the required community service and probation they will send you to jail instead.