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  1. #1

    Unhappy Shoplifting in Michigan

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

    I was arrested for shoplifting at a department store in a mall. It's third degree, as it was under $20 and they have me on video.

    I signed all of the papers agreeing that I understood what happened and why. My court date is next week.

    I've been arrested before, and gone through a program. =/ Twice. Both times were under 15 years of age and aren't on my public record. I'm now 20. Stupid, I know. Don't judge me too harshly though.



    What's going to happen to me? Specifically is jail time a very real possibility? As you know, it's impossible to get a job in MI; I just got a new one for the first time in a year, and my family really needs my income to pay bills. I honestly can't afford to lose my job and pay their fines, if they do send me to jail.

    thank you for any input.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Shoplifting in Michigan

    Well, you haven't learned the first two times, and the judge will take that into consideration.

    You can expect:
    - Civil Demand Letter. Minimum amount of $250. Pay it immediately, or the amount goes up, and the store can even file a lawsuit for it plus their attorney fees.

    - Court costs and fines.

    - You will need either a lawyer, or Public Defender. P.D. is not free....$250 in my county.

    - If you should lose your job, well...you should have thought of that BEFORE stealing AGAIN.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Shoplifting in Michigan

    The juvenile charges aren't on your public record, but your juvenile record is available to the probation department.
    Quote Quoting How can a Juvenile record affect a person after they become an adult?
    Juvenile offense convictions can be used to enhance adult sentences. Convicted juvenile sex offenders have to register the same as adult offenders. Juvenile delinquency records exist until the juvenile turns thirty years old. Often employers on job applications, colleges on college applications and the military want to know about juvenile records which may disqualify a person from employment, education or military service.
    The process of expungement for a Michigan juvenile record is summarized here.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    154

    Default Re: Shoplifting in Michigan

    Quote Quoting aaron
    View Post
    The juvenile charges aren't on your public record, but your juvenile record is available to the probation department.
    The process of expungement for a Michigan juvenile record is summarized here.
    Oh my! That sounds harsh. Harsh enough to be a law abiding citizen.

    If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.
    Now, you're in trouble for real.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Shoplifting in Michigan

    This is what I got as an adult, first time offense (living in Michigan):

    $250 Civil Demand
    $303 Court Fines
    - Had to go get fingerprinted and mugshot taken
    $1500 for a lawyer to get a reduced charge of Disordlery Person (looks better than "Retail Fraud" on an application.

    Yes, finding a job that involves handling money or credit cards, or that involves a high level of trust (Realtor, who has to go into other peoples homes), even jobs like putting down carpet in someones home - you greatly reduced your chances of those jobs by being a repeat offender.

    Look at the link posted - your poor decisions can affect you getting into college or the military....

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