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  1. #1

    Post First Offense Shoplifting As a Minor, What to Expect in Court

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Utah

    I am 16 years old and I was recently caught stealing air refresheners from a 7 Eleven. I wasnt arrested because the officers talked to my dad on the phone and they agreed to let me drive myself home since my parents were at a soccer game and couldn't come get me. It's been about a week now and I have a court date set for December 20. This is the first time I've ever been convicted of shoplifting, and the only other trouble I've had with the police was a mild traffic ticket. I'm a good kid, i get good grades, and i attend school on a regular basis. I've never been in any trouble like this before, and this is my first time ever shoplifting.

    I haven't received a civil fine in the mail yet, so when should i be expecting that? What should i expect when i go to court? Should i call the courthouse now and ask them about diversion programs, or should i wait untill the court date and ask the judge about that? If i do take part in a diversion program, what should i expect, and will that guarantee that this will be taken off my criminal record? Should i plea guilty, not guilty, or no contest? I can't afford a lawyer, so should i get a public defender instead, and if so, do public defenders cost any money? I'm very confused and have a lot of questions, so any feedback would be great.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
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    Michigan
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    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting As a Minor, What to Expect in Court

    Since you are 16, you need to discuss this all with your parents.

    Those air refresheners are going to run your parents a lot of money. Expect $1000+.

    You're good grades won't matter - a smart kid knows that theft is wrong.

  3. #3

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting As a Minor, What to Expect in Court

    Yeah because that sure did answer a whole lot of my questions....

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting As a Minor, What to Expect in Court

    We can't make you more thoughtful, considerate, honest, mature or intelligent. What is it that you expect from us?

    Sorry, but when children are caught stealing they're going to find their parents involved in the juvenile court process.

  5. #5

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting As a Minor, What to Expect in Court

    Yes, i realize that. I know my parents are going to get involved, I'm just trying to figure this whole thing out independently as an adult. I just need a little advice on this whole thing, thats all. I may be 16, but I'm not a child anymore and with that im trying to handle these problems on my own as an adult would.

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

    Default Re: First Offense Shoplifting As a Minor, What to Expect in Court

    You will need your parents. Because as a minor - you are required to have a parent present in court with you.

    Adults needs lawyers to help them with this....you need both a parent AND a lawyer.

    You may be 16 and consider yourself not a child...so prove it. Go try to find a job with a criminal charge...and pay your parents what it will cost for a lawyer, court costs/fines, and the Civil Demand from the store...I suggest McD's.

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