QUESTION
What happens if a juvenile gets a second shoplifting offense?
Asked on Nov 03rd, 2013 on Criminal Law - Michigan
More details to this question:
My first offense was a couple months ago and I had to pay a $50 fine to the store and I never got a court date sent to me. It just happened again a couple weeks ago at a different store. I got caught stealing a knife (I don't know if that makes a difference). What will the charges/fees or whatever be? They said I will have a court date. When will I get that in the mail? Will I need a lawyer for this case? I definitely learned my lesson.
4 ANSWERS
Adoptions Attorney serving Lansing, MI
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Austin Legal Services, PLC
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It is always good to be represented by a lawyer in these cases. If you have multiple retail fraud cases at the same time, that may damage your chances for getting a diversion program or a better please deal or lighter sentence. A good attorney can do damage control.
Answered on Nov 06th, 2013 at 5:42 PM
John J. Carney
Retain a good criminal lawyer like me or you may end up with a criminal record or jail term. Shoplifting is not a good idea as you risk a criminal record and a year in jail for a few dollars worth of stuff you do not even need.
Answered on Nov 06th, 2013 at 5:42 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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You don't say how old you are. If you are 16-18, the court can still charge you as an adult. If convicted, you are looking at a maximum sentence of 1 year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine. I suspect that you have shoplifted more than the 2 times you have disclosed. It's just that you have been CAUGHT twice. The first time, the court system gave you a break. Obviously, you haven't learned from it. So now, maybe you do need to spend a little time in jail. However, even if the judge does not give you jail time... you have a conviction, which means it has to be disclosed on job applications and many college applications. What do you think your chances are of getting a good job or getting into a good college?? Maybe you don't care, in which case maybe jail is where you belong. Don't be stupid and ruin your life.
Answered on Nov 06th, 2013 at 5:41 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
No you did not learn your lesson. You need to get a good lawyer to fight these charges. What are you going to do with your life if you end up with a theft conviction on your record. What employer wants to hire a thief?
Answered on Nov 06th, 2013 at 5:37 PM