[becca90]

So when I was about 13 I shoplifted once with merchandise worth about 45$ the police took me home and talked to my parents that was it. Now I am 18 and shoplfited not too long ago with merchandise worth about 12$ I got a tickets to get my fingerprint tomorrow and the court date about 2 weeks from now I would like to know what would happen to me?

[N0help4u]

I know others will tell me that it is a misdemeanor and all but from everybody I have read their stories on shoplifting across the U.S.A. and Canada all say that what happened to them (first offenders) They got fingerprinted, had to take diversion classes and go back to court and pay any fines. Then if you stay out of trouble you can eventually get any record you may have sealed or expunged.

[JudyKayTee]

Where? It IS possible that the prior incident is on record. It IS possible that they will ask you flat out if this is the first time.

It appears you didn't learn not to shoplift the first time so, if they find a record, the Court may not be that easy on you.

Usually it's a fine, reimbursement. No way to know, though, until you stand before the Judge.

I have been advised that WalMart has a new policy, due to the economy and the number of shoplifters, that NOBODY slides and they press charges every time, no matter what the dollar amount may be. Of course, I see no indication that WalMart is involved here - just telling you that the Court climate here (in NY) and possibly everywhere is changing.

[becca90]

Where? It IS possible that the prior incident is on record. It IS possible that they will ask you flat out if this is the first time.

It appears you didn't learn not to shoplift the first time so, if they find a record, the Court may not be that easy on you.

Usually it's a fine, reimbursement. No way to know, though, until you stand before the Judge.

I have been advised that WalMart has a new policy, due to the economy and the number of shoplifters, that NOBODY slides and they press charges each and every time, no matter what the dollar amount may be. Of course, I see no indication that WalMart is involved here - just telling you that the Court climate here (in NY) and possibly everywhere is changing.

Its in london ontario and so if they ask me I say no? But if they don I won't get charged
And you... it was a stupid stupid mistake which I will never make ever again... but if they don what would my punishment be? Just a fine and reimbursement?

[Fr_Chuck]

Sounds like the first time was
1. as a minor
2. and although police took them home, does not sound like charges, since they did not go to court and juv case workers not invovled. It is common for police to take child home and "talk" to parent warning them without any formal record

[becca90]

sounds like the first time was
1. as a minor
2. and although police took them home, does not sound like charges, since they did not go to court and juv case workers not invovled. It is common for police to take child home and "talk" to parent warning them without any formal record

So likely they won't know about it?

[JudyKayTee]

its in london ontario and so if they ask me i say no? but if they don i wont get charged
and ya... it was a stupid stupid mistake which i will never make ever again.... but if they don what would my punishment be? just a fine and reimbursement?

If they ask you, you tell the truth. Their interest may be that you didn't learn from your "stupid mistake" the first time and if you lie and get caught, you will only compound your own problems. At any rate - when dealing with legal matters the best policy is to tell the truth.

[becca90]

If they ask you, you tell the truth. Their interest may be that you didn't learn from your "stupid mistake" the first time and if you lie and get caught, you will only compound your own problems. At any rate - when dealing with legal matters the best policy is to tell the truth.

OK ty :)