Sixteen-Year-Old Caught Stealing Makeup

[mad904]

I went to a store today and stole about $130 dollars worth of makeup. I'm 16, and I did this because I wasn't thinking, influenced by my friends, and honestly thought I could get away with it. The loss and prevention person working at this store was nice, she didn't comfort me or anything but she didn't make me feel any worse. An officer came in, and told me he would mail me a court date. I am also ban from this store for the rest of my life. I told my mother and she is disappointed but she is thinking rationally, I really really am trying my hardest for my father not to find out. I am so aware of my mistake and it is honestly eating me alive and I feel disgusted with myself. I just want to know what to expect at court, I really really don't want probation. If I do get it, will a probation officer show up at my house?
I am worrying myself to death.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You didn't follow the instruction to identify your state. Generally speaking, if you are going to juvenile court, typically speaking, the court will consider your home, school, community and prior police record when trying to fashion a disposition that reduces the chance that you'll get into more trouble.

If you don't want to be on probation, you are best served by not choosing to commit crimes.

[mad904]

You didn't follow the instruction to identify your state. Generally speaking, if you are going to juvenile court, typically speaking, the court will consider your home, school, community and prior police record when trying to fashion a disposition that reduces the chance that you'll get into more trouble.

If you don't want to be on probation, you are best served by not choosing to commit crimes.

This is the first time I've ever done something like this, and I will never do anything like this again. I'm in the state TN.

[Lehk]

I really really don't want probation.

if you prefer to server your punishment in jail, tell your attorney. but why? how is getting probation worse than going to jail in your eyes? 9999 out of 10000 people are trying to figure out how they can get their half pound of drugs reduced to probation and here you are not wanting probation.

or were you under the delusion that you will not be punished at all?

[EA1070a]

You need a consult with a criminal defense attorney. You could be facing a fine, restitution, community service, a brief stint in jail, probation... Any of the above or a combination thereof.

A local defense attorney familiar with the courts and judges in your jurisdiction would have a better idea of what you're facing.

L - I don't think that OP is saying she'd rather go to jail than receive probation. I think her primary fear here is dad finding out about the incident? But I don't know how that can be avoided.

OP, you might stand a chance of getting off with paying a fine and restitution and setting up a payment plan with the court but I don't have a crystal ball in front of me.