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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    15

    Question questions about getting caught shoplifting

    Yesterday I decided to be an idiot and shoplifted a product from a Meijer store.
    It was my first offense of shoplifting.
    The total amount that was taken amounted to about $45.00 or so.
    As information about me, just in case it's needed:
    I'm a legal adult, though I don't want to give my actualy age. Let's say between 21 and 25 though.


    Questions:

    1.) What kind of punishment should I be expecting? A lot of people are telling me that I'll most likely only get probation, some fines and maybe communnity service hours. However, if there's a chance that I could actually get jail time, I want to be prepared for it.

    2.) I had a small pair of craft / fine art scissors on me when I was caught. Yes, I used the scissors to open the package of what I took. Could the store or police consider that as a weapon and increase my punishment?

    3.) The "store detectives" (whatever they are called) searched me. I thought this was illegal and they could only hold me in custody until th eactual police officer arrived. Is this true and can I use that against them?

    4.) Neither the store detectives or the actual police oficer, while in the store or at the police station, had ever read my rights to me. Is this still necessary? Can criminals still get out of crimes because these rights were not read to them?

    5.) Yes, I realize I am a criminal now, but it was a stupid mistake. Just so people don't judge me by the mistake, I'm a college student, been on dean's list almost every single semester, never even been pulled over by a cop kinda dood. I suffer from depression and borderline personality disorder and I had a horrible day beforehand... kinda thought the product would cheer me up. Doubt that works as an excuse in court though.

    Any other advice, etc woud be appreciated.
    Thanks.

  2. #2
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: Consequences Of Being Caught Shoplifting

    Quote Quoting bob_01
    View Post
    Yesterday I decided to be an idiot and shoplifted a product from a Meijer store.
    It was my first offense of shoplifting.
    The total amount that was taken amounted to about $45.00 or so.
    As information about me, just in case it's needed:
    I'm a legal adult, though I don't want to give my actualy age. Let's say between 21 and 25 though.


    Questions:

    1.) What kind of punishment should I be expecting? A lot of people are telling me that I'll most likely only get probation, some fines and maybe communnity service hours. However, if there's a chance that I could actually get jail time, I want to be prepared for it.Jail is an option but its very doubtful unless you or your Attorney really annoy judge

    2.) I had a small pair of craft / fine art scissors on me when I was caught. Yes, I used the scissors to open the package of what I took. Could the store or police consider that as a weapon and increase my punishment?Yes but they can also use it as "intent" and thus up charge to felony

    3.) The "store detectives" (whatever they are called) searched me. I thought this was illegal and they could only hold me in custody until th eactual police officer arrived. Is this true and can I use that against them?Depending on how the search was conducted its legal and yes they can hold you until Police arrive

    4.) Neither the store detectives or the actual police oficer, while in the store or at the police station, had ever read my rights to me. Is this still necessary? Can criminals still get out of crimes because these rights were not read to them?Your rights (miranda) are not required. They only purpose you could use this for is if you said anything incriminating

    5.) Yes, I realize I am a criminal now, but it was a stupid mistake. Just so people don't judge me by the mistake, I'm a college student, been on dean's list almost every single semester, never even been pulled over by a cop kinda dood. I suffer from depression and borderline personality disorder and I had a horrible day beforehand... kinda thought the product would cheer me up. Doubt that works as an excuse in court though.

    Any other advice, etc woud be appreciated.
    Thanks.

    Please do no tplay the "honor student card" it wont work its been heard a million times. Find a criminal defense Attorney and consult with him/her about details of your case

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    15

    Default Re: Consequences Of Being Caught Shoplifting

    1.) even if the scissors werent purposely brought for that they can use it against me? i'm a fine art major at my college, i have stuff like that on me or in my car all the time.

    2.) i didnt say the whole 'honor thing' as an excuse. i know i messed up. i was just pointing out that it was just a dumb mistake and that i'm usualy a much better of a person to allow myself to do something like that.

  4. #4
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: Consequences Of Being Caught Shoplifting

    Quote Quoting bob_01
    View Post
    1.) even if the scissors werent purposely brought for that they can use it against me? i'm a fine art major at my college, i have stuff like that on me or in my car all the time.Yes it can for very reason stated this allow higher charge which can be used as bargainning chip for plea deal

    2.) i didnt say the whole 'honor thing' as an excuse. i know i messed up. i was just pointing out that it was just a dumb mistake and that i'm usualy a much better of a person to allow myself to do something like that.
    Just don't bring it up as defense

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    15

    Default Re: Consequences Of Being Caught Shoplifting

    Another thing.
    It's all confusing, you have to admit it.
    But I already was booked, paid bond and released.
    Now I have to set a date to appear in front of the judge,
    as it says so on my bond receipt.
    Is this for what my punishment will be?

    And, if the court / police punish me with whatever,
    can the store then take me to court on their own as well?

  6. #6
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: Consequences Of Being Caught Shoplifting

    Bond can be applied (in some cases) to court fines ask your Attorney. Yes store can an dproably has begun Civil Demand process. This is seperate from court (its Civil) and its legal not paying can get very expensive and ruin your credit

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    15

    Default Re: Consequences Of Being Caught Shoplifting

    Yeah, I received a paper from the store called a "Letter of Demand for Civil Damages." which is a set-amount of money, suually 10 times the amount that you stole.
    Is this the store's punishment to me though?
    Or can they do more?

  8. #8
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: Consequences Of Being Caught Shoplifting

    State law allows them to do this is makes up for loses they incurred and time and wages of LP staff. To name a few items. No wif you fail to pay or fail to make payments on time they can triple the charge or sue you in court.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    15

    Default Re: Consequences Of Being Caught Shoplifting

    But if I pay the fines early or on time than they wont bother me anymore and i just worry about the court / judge?
    Or can the store turn around and do other things as well?

    sorry for so many questions.

  10. #10
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: Consequences Of Being Caught Shoplifting

    If you pay the Civil Demand your done with store and your only concerns should be court case (criminal case)

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