
Quoting
bob_01
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.