16 and Arrested for Shoplifting

I'm sixteen and got arrested for shoplifting for the first time, the total came out to $450.00. Can someone tell me the consequences of my stupidity?

First of all, we need to know your state????

If you have not told your parents, now is the time to do so.

Start hunting for a job, but forget anything that involves handling cash, all things retail....

What to expect:
- If you parents cannot afford a lawyer, you will need to go to your Arraignment, plea "Not Guilty" and ask for a public defender.

- You can expect the store to send a Civil Demand Notice. It will be for a lot more money than the items you attempted to steal. Make sure your parents pay it immediately - if they don't, the amount can increase, then the store can sue your parents and ruin their credit rating.

- Expect court costs and fines.

- The public defender is likely to charge a fee.

- You may ask the lawyer or public defender about a Diversion Program. Even if you get Community Service or Anti-Shoplifting classes, they are not free.

In the end of this, you'll find that simplying paying $450 at the register would have been a much cheaper option.

$450 is a large amount for a first-time shoplifter....I hope when you see how much money your parents will be shelling out that you realize it is not worth it...

i live in new jersey, and i am aware it was not worth it considering the amount of money i have been saving up for a car is now going to pay for that bs. i was arrested and i am nder age so that means my parents already know considering they had to get me from the station. my mom said i wasnt convicted of anything so i dont have to put that down on a job app.

Quote:

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Quoting cmorez

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i live in new jersey, and i am aware it was not worth it considering the amount of money i have been saving up for a car is now going to pay for that bs. i was arrested and i am nder age so that means my parents already know considering they had to get me from the station. my mom said i wasnt convicted of anything so i dont have to put that down on a job app.

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You haven't been convicted... yet.

What, exactly, were you charged with?

I am guessing a felony.

Many job aps ask about convictions....as well as any PENDING misdemeanor or Felony charges. Best be honest on any job aps.

im not sure i think just juvenille shoplifting or something, will this go away by the time im eighteen, the cops liked me and said something about community service. and they told my parents that they will tell the school, but i dont understand why the school has to do with anything