Minor caught shoplifting, advice needed

[wuntung]

Yesterday my friend and I (we're both 15, I turn 16 next month) were caught stealing several items from a Vons store in California, probably $25-30 worth. After having our bags suddenly grabbed on the way out of the store, our first instincts were to run. My cell phone was in my duffel bag (which was used for my workout) and using it they located the “Home” phone contact and contacted my house. They then told my dad to go to the store while my friend and I were being picked up by his parents. My mother contacted me by my friend's cell and told me that they had called home and my dad was on his way to the store. After that, we told my friend's dad what had happened and we drove back. There were two police vehicles parked in front of the store. When we got there we were asked to sit while they asked us and our parents about our personal information. It was technically an arrest without handcuffs and we were released to our parents. They asked us separately whether we had the “intent” on stealing before we entered the doors. The difference, the officer later explained, was that if there was an “intent” prior to entering the store, that would be burglary and not shoplifting. Both of us said there was no prior intent on stealing. The officer explained to me that I would receive something in the mail that will tell me to go to court where they will either "tell you not to do it again, give you some community service, or maybe a probation or something.”

Now what I am worried about is whether they might say it is burglary because we have stolen from that store before but only twice before and we have purchased items from the store previous to yesterday, so it isn't like we go in to steal. Another thing is will the police notify the school we go to (they asked what school we went to) and can the school take action based on the crime that occurred outside of school. I heard a story where 4 kids broke into a house and after being arrested they were expelled from school also. That is obviously completely different and breaking into a house is a different story but is the school allowed to act upon what happened? Also because of the fact that we ran after the man grabbed our bags from us (he said “can you guys follow me in?” while he grabbed our bags and started walking in with them) is that another charge? We were acting on impulses and the situation.

This is my first arrest and since I am below the age of 16 what will happen based on California laws to my record and how will it affect me in the future?

I have no idea what will happen and any advice is appreciated. Email me at maimailmai@hotmail.com or reply to the topic.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Now what I am worried about is whether they might say it is burglary because we have stolen from that store before but only twice before and we have purchased items from the store previous to yesterday, so it isn't like we go in to steal.

You usually go there to steal, but you made an exception on a prior occasion? You're a thief, and you're full of excuses. Keep this up and next time you will definitely be looking at a burglary charge.

Another thing is will the police notify the school we go to (they asked what school we went to) and can the school take action based on the crime that occurred outside of school.

Probably not, but that depends upon the policies of the police, court, and school. If you do face discipline in your school, it will be a consequence you brought upon yourself.

Also because of the fact that we ran after the man grabbed our bags from us (he said “can you guys follow me in?” while he grabbed our bags and started walking in with them) is that another charge? We were acting on impulses and the situation.

You were running away because you were a thief and were hoping not to get caught. Call that an "impulse" if you will.

This is my first arrest and since I am below the age of 16 what will happen based on California laws to my record and how will it affect me in the future?

As the officer said, you will probably pay fines and spend a period of time on probation. Keep this up, and you'll be looking at incarceration.

I don't want to be unduly harsh on you - but you seem to need a heavy dose of reality. Stop stealing.

[PaulE]

"I don't want to be unduly harsh on you - but you seem to need a heavy dose of reality. Stop stealing."

Go ahead and say it straight Mr. Knowitall....they need their little butt's kicked. If it were me that got caught being 'stupid in public without a permit' my dad would have been my biggest worry not the courts.

[wuntung]

you're acting like i haven't gotten punished for what i did, as if i don't understand that what i did was wrong. I'm simply seeking information of what might happen in the future. The consequences of what i did. Posting here is purely to see if anyone has any information that they might share.

The "dad" part isn't even over yet i just want to know what comes after that.