Mid November I made an AWFUL decision on a whim to try to steal a bottle of wine from a grocery. Maybe it was stress or the like that drove me to do it, but that doesn't matter because I got caught by an employee and had to wait in the back room for an hour while they sent a policeman. I've never felt so ashamed in my life. The policeman, when he arrived, asked questions and then I was taken to his police car. He filled out what looked like a parking ticket with ALL of my info and a court date :( So next week I have a court date and NO idea what is going to happen.

I'm normally not like this at all. I just turned 18, go to college, but I don't even have a driver's licence (which means they copied down my parent's address and I do not want them to find out about this). The charge is a misdemeanor-larceny, the object I attempted to take was worth less than nine dollars, and I have a clean record.

The part I'm afraid about is the fact that it was wine, ALCOHOL, and will I get in extra trouble for that? Should I get a lawyer for this if I am just going to plead guilty? And what do you think my penalty will be?

It happened inNC, if that makes any difference

Hi You're Best Bet Is To As Well Dressed And Clean In Appearance. We All Go Through This In Life,it Is Of Understanding What Is Right And Wrong In Life. Explain To The Judge It Was A Neurotic Urge That You Cannot Quantify Or Denote; Make Sure You Are Not Being Mendacious Or Playing With Words. Be Straight Kind And To The Point... you Will More Than Likely Be Given A Small Fine On This Occasion... re Your Parents It Is Best To Come Clean, Although This Is Difficult, In The Long Term It Is Best.. you Will Only Harbour Memories About It Which Will Manifest To Something More Serious... so What You Stole A Bottle Of Wine... if You Don't Envisage Doing It Again Be Straight About It.. its No Big Deal... this Was Written By My Dad... as He Saw You And Felt Sorry For You.. he Used To Be A Cop... adam

Best bet of all, have an attorney with you, also see if you can get a suspended sentence if you perform a certain amount of community servcie and pay a fine ( that means no recond)

The fact that it was alcohol that you stole and you're under 21 could complicate things. In addition to misdemeanor theft you could be charged with underage possession which is treated very seriously. You may want to at least consult with, if not retain, an attorney. As far as the theft goes, you're no doubt looking at restitution, community service and/or probation. With the alcohol, that's a whole new can of worms which is why I recommend you at least talk with an attorney.

Mid November I made an AWFUL decision on a whim to try to steal a bottle of wine from a grocery. Maybe it was stress or the like that drove me to do it, but that doesn't matter because I got caught by an employee and had to wait in the back room for an hour while they sent a policeman. I've never felt so ashamed in my life. The policeman, when he arrived, asked questions and then i was taken to his police car. He filled out what looked like a parking ticket with ALL of my info and a court date :( So next week I have a court date and NO idea what is going to happen.

I'm normally not like this at all. I just turned 18, go to college, but i don't even have a driver's licence (which means they copied down my parent's address and I do not want them to find out about this). The charge is a misdemeanor-larceny, the object i attempted to take was worth less than nine dollars, and i have a clean record.

The part i'm afraid about is the fact that it was wine, ALCOHOL, and will i get in extra trouble for that? Should I get a lawyer for this if i am just going to plead guilty? And what do you think my penalty will be?

it happened inNC, if that makes any difference
If this is your first time your peobably just going to get a fine and community service.. no jail time.. no need to hire lawyer if your in ontario.. just get duty council