Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    3

    Exclamation First Time Offense Shoplifting by a 17-Year-Old

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maine

    Hello. I'm a 17year old female. I went to Kohls and attempted to steal 3 pair of shoes per a friend's suggestion. The total amount attempted stolen was a bit under $200. I realise that this was stupid. But, I was wondering what I'm facing.
    My court date is in early August. But the bad thing is, I'll be turning 18 shortly. Even though I'm under age, could I still get the sentence of an adult? Also, is there any way that I won't get the max sentence? I heard from a friend that I'm facing 6 months in jail and an 1000 dollar fine.
    Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
    ~Very sorry shoplifter

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: 17yr Old First Time Offense Shoplifting in Kennebec County

    (1) Do not listen to that friend.
    (2) Make better decisions. Just because a friend suggests something, does not mean you have to do it.

    Next...You will be going to court. If you/your parents cannot afford a private attorney, plead "not guilty" and ask for a public defender (that will cost money, too). You will have court costs and fines.

    You may get probation, community service, anti-shoplifting class (or a combination). These also cost money.

    There will be a Civil Demand in the mail from Kohl's/their attorneys.

    All in all....3 pair of shoes for $200 would have been a bargain, instead of the $1500+ price tag they now have.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: 17yr Old First Time Offense Shoplifting in Kennebec County

    Well. Kohls got their items back right then and there. So, I was told that they might bill for the cost of the items. So, 200 dollars. I was also told if I go to my court hearing early I would be able to talk to a DA about a deal. I'm thinking that that will be my best option? I want to know what the likelyhood of me going to jail is.
    I understand that this was wrong... And I'm no longer friends with that person. Also, is this going to be on my record forever? I know that if I have a shoplifting thing on my record, my chances of getting a job in the future are greatly reduced. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: 17yr Old First Time Offense Shoplifting in Kennebec County

    Oh no sweetie.....

    See those LP guys and manager that were in with you? They were getting paid an hourly wage. See all those security cameras? All the time it takes to back up the tapes, etc? And to install them in the first place?

    Guess what....your Civil Demand includes that.

    You can lookup the law in your state...but in most cases, you pay a certain range. This is separate from the criminal charge.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: 17yr Old First Time Offense Shoplifting in Kennebec County

    We were in the room for about an hour, and in that time they had backed up the tapes and started copying them. So, I would be paying the manager an hour worth of wages? Plus for him taking time to back up the tape? Anyway. Thank you for your help. I just wanted to know what I should expect so I'm not blindsided by anything.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: 17yr Old First Time Offense Shoplifting in Kennebec County

    The amount varies by state. This is what it reads for Maine:

    3. Civil recovery. Any person who unlawfully takes or attempts to take merchandise from a merchant is
    civilly liable to the merchant in an amount consisting of:
    A. Damages equal to the retail price of the merchandise if the item is not returned in a merchantable
    condition; and [1995, c. 288, §4 (NEW).]
    B. A civil penalty equal to 3 times the retail price of the merchandise, but not less than $50 or more than
    $500. [1995

    Usually, the amount is higher than the theft. Expect the max of $500.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: First Time Offense Shoplifting
    By Sandra in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-06-2010, 02:50 PM
  2. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Shoplifting, First Time Offense
    By firsttimeoffender in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 07-17-2009, 08:46 AM
  3. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: First Time Shoplifting Offense
    By mrtigerwoods253 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 12-30-2008, 06:44 PM
  4. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Shoplifting, First Time Offense
    By yjord in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-24-2008, 09:21 PM
  5. Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: First Time Shoplifting Offense
    By inshock1 in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 28
    Last Post: 02-05-2008, 07:47 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources