You know something? I'm delighted to hear it. Rock on, Parma, OH.
If more shoplifters had to actually suffer some criminal consequences other than a slap on the wrist and a civil demand, maybe we'd have less shoplifting.
You know something? I'm delighted to hear it. Rock on, Parma, OH.
If more shoplifters had to actually suffer some criminal consequences other than a slap on the wrist and a civil demand, maybe we'd have less shoplifting.
Good for Parma. One the other side....as an LE officer I sat in a court one day when the Judge said...this is the 26th time you have appeared before me on a retail theft charge. This time I sentence you to 90 days jail time.
It only took 26 times....
Isn't that the truth. I seriously - and I mean this in the most literal way - cannot understand what some judges are thinking. Were I a judge, it would be the SECOND time in front of me that garnered the 90 day sentence. We tried the fine/community service thing the first time, you learned nothing, and it's clear that you are just a criminal. Jail now and from now on.
The current city ordinance provides that any theft under $1,000 is a first degree misdemeanor offense. Under the general sentencing provisions of the city code, the court may impose up to 180 days in jail for a first degree misdemeanor offense. Further, the theft statute adds that for a first offense, the court must impose at least a minimum of 1 day in jail. For a second theft offense, whether the first was committed in Parma or any place in the country, the minimum is 3 days in jail, and on a 3rd offense, the minimum is 10 days in jail. The court, of course, may impose more jail time than the minimum up to the 180 day maximum the ordinance allows.
One of the little cities I used to do LP in tried hitting them in the pocketbook. Shoplifting was a $1500 fine. Had one poor lady whose 3 girls go busted shoplifting. $4500. She may still be paying on that to this day, 4 years later, since it is a low income area. Didn't see near as many repeats there as in other cities where it was a smaller fine, some CS and probation.
The charges may be even worse as it was clear this was an organized theft ring, even if it was only 2 people. That indicates premeditation and a history of doing it, but getting away with it. The prosecutor may come down hard with charges.
If you cannot afford an attorney you should request a public defender to assit you.
Im so scared and i cant belive i let my friend talk me into all this I dont wanna go to jail I have way to much to do. Im now super scared for all of this to go downIm so upset.
So far it's not even clear that you have been criminally charged. If you have been criminally charged, speak to a criminal defense lawyer.
Find out if you were given a civil demand ticket,which you just got pay off,it can still have some bad consequences. If you got an appearance ticket and have to appear in court. Jail is no fun place,if it's a day or two,try not to stress it out so much,you will probably mostly be dealing with boredom. If you charged criminally plead not guilty and ask for a lawyer.
- - - Updated - - -
That seems insane,I'm a nice guy,I say give them one chance. After that then some jail is definitely fair and on the third time it should automatic. I think giving a 1st time stop lifter a day in jail,can be a good lesson to learn. That one day in jail,is gonna convince a lot of people not to steal. Many keep on stealing,on their 3rd or 4th time,poor me I might be locked up.