I'm a 15 years old student, I went to an arcade and found a phone on a game machine unattended, hence with sudden temptation, I took it and disposed the sim card, later the cctv caught me. I was so scared so while on the way to check the cctv with them, I put the phone somehwhere else sneakily. Then they called the police as I didn't have the phone but it was obvious I took it. However, when I went back to retrieve the phone, it was wet and spoilt. When police came, they asked me questions and arrest me. I was told I have to go down to the station for court. Also, to pay for the phone. Do I have to pay for the phone before the court or after? How serious is my case? I really didn't noe it was offence to pick up and unattended phone and take it. I didn't pick pocket or rob. However since its already like this, I want to ask what will happen to me, what should I do now? I left around 1 and 1/2 week from the court date.. please tell me. Also what will be going on in the court as this is my first time being arrested by police...

I would stop the "I didn't know it was an offense to take a phone" thinking. No one ever told you that it was a crime to pick up someone else's property and remove and dispose of the card? I don't believe that and no one else will either, including the Court.

You should have been given instructions on how much and where to pay for the phone. I would not go to Court without an Attorney. You don't want this on your record.

And, as I said, I would not try to convince anyone that you didn't know taking something that was unattended wasn't stealing. I note you didn't turn the phone in so the owner could be found; instead, you disassembled and then hid it.

I really didn't know that it was a crime.. But since it happened, what should I do? My school told me the police requested them for a report about me. And they told me they would help me as much as they can.. in the police form, it didn't say I was going court but further investigation. I think they'd call me before the date to tell me to pay for the phone. I hope I pay back for the phone before going to the station

As long as you don't think it was illegal to take a phone which didn't belong to you, remove the card, hide the phone, go back and retrieve the phone no one here can help you. Paying for the phone or not paying for the phone have nothing to do with you appearing in Court.

Did you really think that taking something that didn't belong to you wasn't stealing? Wow!

Oh okay.. then I think I just have to wait and see.. I have no idea what's going to happen..

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Originally Posted by J_9

Did you really think that taking something that didn't belong to you wasn't stealing? Wow!

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I like the part where he stripped the card and took it with him, hid the phone and then went back for it later - and insists he didn't think he was doing anything wrong. Then why all the stripping and hiding and finding? Why not just put the phone in his pocket and walk away if it was perfectly legal to find and take the phone?

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

I like the part where he stripped the card and took it with him, hid the phone and then went back for it later - and insists he didn't think he was doing anything wrong. Then why all the stripping and hiding and finding? Why not just put the phone in his pocket and walk away if it was perfectly legal to find and take the phone?

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I'm just speechless that the OP "thinks" he/she didn't do anything wrong. I have to wonder where the parents are. In my opinion the OP should get the book thrown at him/her so that she/he will learn right from wrong since it's apparent they didn't as a young child.