3rd Degree State of Michigan Retail Fraud

[Alex49341]

Hello, my name is Alex, and i'm 17 years old. 2 days ago i was caught stealing for a walmart in Michigan. I stole a 17 dollar ipod case for my friends girlfriend, and a can of air dust off for another one of my friends, i had no intention on using either of these items and it was my first time stealing anything. My court date is a week after Christmas and next Saturday i have to go get a mugshot taken. the security at the walmart roughed me around, and accused me of attempting to run when i had not intention to do so. they told me that if i lied about anything or was hesitant to admit to anything, i would 100% go to jail. They told me that i would never go to collage, and the security and the cop collaborated in mocking me, they accused me of trying to have sex with my friends girlfriend because i stole the ipod case for her, then they accused me of lying about who the ipod case was for. They called me a drug addict because i stole a can of dustoff and continued to make fun of me, call me an idiot, and vocally harass me.

And when they originally stopped me when i was leaving the store, they screamed at me and said "give me the merchandise", i immediately thought that i was being mugged because they did not present me any identification or acknowledge who they were. They were dressed in street close and were screaming profanity at me and pushed me around. i cooperated with them one hundred percent, and they acted completely unprofessional to me. I do not believe what they did was completely lawful and i was wondering if i have a case against them, or if i could possibly get a lower sentence because of their actions.

Thank you for your help,
-Alex

[Scruit]

You stole from them, and you're exploring a case against THEM?

Just take a moment to think about that.

[Alex49341]

Hey im not saying what i did was right, but do u believe that the usual sentence (6 months in probation and at least over 700 dollars in fines(including from the store)) is a worthy punishment for a first time offender who stole something for his friend?
Not in the eyes of the law, but in the eyes of an ethical person.
I was harassed, never shown any identification that they were store lp or anything, just two aggressive men with a obvious power complex.
I am not looking for a case against them, I am looking for a way to possibly reduce my sentence.
I have been 17 for 2 weeks, and i am looking forward to a career in law, i don't want this one mistake to ruin my career and possibly haunt me for 6 years until i can get it expunged.
and not to be rude, but i am looking for advice, not criticism. thanks

[Scruit]

do u believe that the usual sentence (6 months in probation and at least over 700 dollars in fines(including from the store)) is a worthy punishment for a first time offender who stole something for his friend?

No, it's not an appropriate punishment.

Appropriate would be a punishment that doesn't make people think that they can get a mulligan first time round.

i am looking forward to a career in law

Not any more.

not to be rude, but i am looking for advice, not criticism. thanks

I gave you advice. My advice was "Take a moment to think about that." If, after careful reflection, you still think the store owes you any kind of an apology then your problems are not limited to a simple shoplifting conviction.

[panther10758]

Everythng Walmart did was lawful. You have no case!

[aaron]

I would suggest setting aside your fantasies of how you could get back at the loss prevention personnel who caught you stealing, and turning your focus to how you might be able to avoid a criminal conviction. If you have a lawyer, ask your lawyer about "HYTA".

[Alex49341]

I Know that it cant be store policy to have lp harass people
I've already talked to my lawyer about sending a letter to the individual walmart lp (them in person)

and Scruit, It may just be me, but your regards towards "appropriate punishment" do not make sense.

[panther10758]

I said "lawful"! Who said anything about Walmart policy? Best you can hope for is LP gets a verbal scolding. You might reread Aaron's post theres some good advice there

[Alex49341]

sorry, i misread what u said
if i did get hyat, how long do u think that program would last for me?

[aaron]

That's one of the things you will discuss with your lawyer. We don't know your record. I can say this much: Watch your attitude when you meet with your probation officer prior to sentencing.