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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    2

    Default Minor Caught Stealing at Target - 1st Offense

    i live in michigan (im 17 years old) and was caught stealing a 50$ game from target. i wasnt walking out of the store, just going into the bathroom and they caught me there. well they called my parents and took my info (didn't give them my ss #). they said i would get a letter in the mail soon. i got it and it said something like "if you pay this fee of 200$ then no civil actions will be taken". well i gave my dad 200$ and he mailed the check.

    its over right? WRONG! then sent in the mail a warrent out for my arrest right after we pay the fee! we go down to the court and find out we now have a court date! that letter said if we pay we would be off the hook, right? i don't understand. this is the first time this has ever happened to me and im scared it will be put on my record. i ABOVE ALL don't want this on my record. what is the punishment for something like this? will it be put on my record? please someone answer me...

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Minor Caught Stealing at Target - 1st Offense

    If you're 17 at the time of an offense in Michigan, the criminal courts treat you as an adult.

    The recitation, "no civil actions will be taken," means that they are promising not to sue you if you pay the civil demand. It is not a promise that you won't be prosecuted. While obviously I have not seen the letter you received, civil demand letters typically include language which indicates that payment of the demand will not affect the prosecution of any shoplifting charge.

    Check with the court, if they will answer, or with a local criminal defense lawyer to see if you might be eligible for a diversion program, or an alternative sentencing disposition (a deferred sentence or HYTA sentence) which could allow you to avoid a conviction.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Minor Caught Stealing at Target - 1st Offense

    thank you so much but i have a few more questions. what is a diversion program and will this go on my record?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Minor Caught Stealing at Target - 1st Offense

    There are two types of diversion program. Sometimes a diversion program will be available which takes the charge out of the court system entirely. Other times, it will stay in the court but you would be placed on a diversion track instead of entering a plea and going to trial. Either way, if you successfully complete the diversion program, the charge would be dismissed.

    If you are convicted, the conviction will appear on you record. The initial charge may also appear.

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