I'm 14 got caught for theft under 5000 in Alberta, Canada. I stole over $200 worth of cosmetics. It's my first offence and I absolutely regret it. My friends were pressuring me into stealing, but I know it was still my fault because I made that decision. I'm really regretful for what I did. My fingerprinting date is on Nov. 9 and my court date is on Nov. 23. I have no clue on what to do and my family and I haven't hired a lawyer yet. Do I really need one or can I just ask for one there? I don't know anything that might happen. Can anyone tell me their experiences or give any advice for me? Thank you.

Your family should be doing this for you. I think having an attorney is very important.

What happens in court? I really don't know what to expect.

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Originally Posted by regretfulred

What happens in court? I really don't know what to expect.

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You might consider going to watch other cases a week or so before your court date. That should give you an idea.

As a first offense juvenile, you will probably be offered probation with the probability of expungement after completing probation.

I'm nervous. Does anyone know what they will say to me there? Like, what kind of questions will they ask me?

The suggestion to spend a day in court as a spectator is a good one. Your attorney can prepare you better than we can because each case and court is different.

They might not ask you anything but whether you are pleading guilty or not guilty. Generally the prosecution gives evidence that you did it, which could be witness testimony or video surveillance. Your attorney will have the chance to verify the evidence.

What's the worst that I could get as a first offence juvenile?