from another thread, i heard that "In some shoplifting cases when the value of the goods is minor and it is a first time offense, perhaps committed by a minor, the criminal justice system will issue a warning to the shoplifting offender rather than prosecute the case. This depends wholly on the circumstances, and does not mitigate the unlawfulness of shoplifting."
i am 17 and was caught shoplifting and it was my first time. the total amount was $140. i was questioned by a cop, fingerprinted, given a court date then released but he made it seem like no big deal. is there any way this will not go on my record? my court date is in about 3 weeks. Is there anything i can do?
In what state?
california
As you are under 18, in California this is presumably a juvenile court matter. Here's information on juvenile court records.
Quoting Juvenile Court Records
$140.00 is hardly minor theft.
This was the first time you were caught. I doubt that the police or anyone else will believe it iwas the first time you actually shoplifted.
You are likely to receive probation, fines, and face a civil penalty from the retailer if this is a first offense. A conviction this time will mean that ANY future theft can be charged as a felony.
- Carl