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  1. #1

    Default Minor Arrested for Retail Theft

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: illinois.

    I know what I did. It was disrespectful and humiliating. My first offense, Just like nearly every other user posting. Merchandise: $28.00. Caught. Was cooperative. My questions are in no way trying to dismiss what I've done.

    First question:
    Suppose the LP officer that had taken me had made comments that were unnecessary which made me feel degraded, what would I do about this? Was it right that the LP officer had a seperate conversation with the manager of a different topic right in front of me, discussing matters that did not apply to the situation? He also discussed the fact, to me not the manager, that he considered his job, a "giggle job", which I found inappropriate.
    I may just be overthinking these thing, am I? I believe he wasn't as professional as what should be required?
    I'm not saying I expected respect, because I do acknowledge what I did.

    Second question:
    The police were called. I was handcuffed, of course, and taken to their station. On being released to my guardian, no papers were signed other than the paper stating they returned all of my possessions.Nothing else was signed by my guardian. What's this about?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    9,096

    Default Re: Minor Arrested for Retail Theft

    Quote Quoting unfortunateyouth
    View Post
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: illinois.

    I know what I did. It was disrespectful and humiliating. My first offense, Just like nearly every other user posting. Merchandise: $28.00. Caught. Was cooperative. My questions are in no way trying to dismiss what I've done.

    First question:
    Suppose the LP officer that had taken me had made comments that were unnecessary which made me feel degraded, what would I do about this?
    What did you expect? You are a thief. If you want respect, perform actions that garner respect.

    The fact that the mean people ARRESTING you weren't nice to you is pretty much a given... contact corporate if you wish... don't plan on anything except a vent.

    Was it right that the LP officer had a seperate conversation with the manager of a different topic right in front of me, discussing matters that did not apply to the situation?
    I don't understand this. You are upset because their didn't give you and your theft their 100% attention?

    You need to get over yourself.

    He also discussed the fact, to me not the manager, that he considered his job, a "giggle job", which I found inappropriate.
    I am pretty sure they don't give a crap what you find inappropriate.

    Many LP enjoy their job. It is the secret to life.

    I may just be overthinking these thing, am I? I believe he wasn't as professional as what should be required?
    Complain to the thieves' union.

    I'm not saying I expected respect, because I do acknowledge what I did.
    That is EXACTLY what you are saying. Your nose is out of joint because the people arresting you weren't as attentive as you would like.

    You weren't ordering lunch from them... you were stealing from them. Being held in contempt is par for the course.

    Second question:
    The police were called. I was handcuffed, of course, and taken to their station. On being released to my guardian, no papers were signed other than the paper stating they returned all of my possessions.Nothing else was signed by my guardian. What's this about?
    You were arrested.

    You will receive a court summons and a civil demand in the mail.

    Plan on a civil demand of $200-$250 and criminal fines, fees and community service.

    The whole thing will cost around $1000 without an attorney... $2000 with one.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Minor Arrested for Retail Theft

    cyjeff:

    Thank you for your time. ha. and yes. I understand where your coming from.
    Just needed to hear some other thoughts.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Minor Arrested for Retail Theft

    When I was caught...

    I'm an attractive female. I had been to the gym...

    Yeah, I was a little pissed that the LP guys had to make remarks about my lack of cosmetics and messy hair. Oh well. I *could have* told them both to lose 50 lbs, but I was respectful.

    You know what? I took a lot more flack in high school. Insults are to see if they can get a rise out of you.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Earth
    Posts
    207

    Default Re: Minor Arrested for Retail Theft

    First answer:
    Suppose you didn't steal anything. In that case, you would have reason to object to anything they did to you. But you did steal, and you admitted it. That pretty much ruins any claim you might have about their being unprofessional or anything of the sort, as stores are unlikely to give much weight to the concerns of the thieves who steal from them. So he made you "feel degraded" and didn't devote his exclusive attention to you. So what? He's there to stop you from stealing, not to make you feel wonderful about yourself.

    Second answer:
    You were arrested. You'll probably be charged with shoplifting or petty theft depending on the laws applicable to your state and the circumstances of your case. The police may have given you or your guardian a notice of when to appear in court, or it might be mailed to you. Make sure you show up in court and make sure you have a lawyer. The above poster's claim that it will cost $1000 without a lawyer or $2000 with is in error, as a lawyer can help you get a reduced penalty; he pays for himself. If you can't hire a private lawyer, ask for a public defender.

    Depending on your age, this might go to juvenile court. (You didn't state your age, other than that you were a minor; if you're 17, you're still a minor but can be tried as an adult.) If so, you'll probably get off easier. Even as an adult, you probably won't get any jail time for a first offense, and there might be a diversion program or other such program to avoid getting a conviction on your record. In any case, you need a lawyer— if you can't afford one (or your guardian can't afford one) you can ask for a public defender after you go to court and plead not guilty.

    In addition to any criminal charges and any penalties imposed by the criminal court, the store can send you a civil demand. This is a civil case unrelated to any criminal matters, except that having promptly paid it can look good to a criminal judge in the event that you are convicted of shoplifting. If you don't pay it, they can sue you for that money and it may become a lot more expensive.

    Since you're a minor, the civil demand will probably be sent to your guardian instead, so you don't have to worry about paying it. You do, however, have to worry about what your guardian will say upon receiving it.

    As should be obvious, the best option is not to steal anymore.

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