Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft I'm 16 years old - Have I ruined my life?

[HaveIRuinedMyLife]

I am a wealthy 16 year student who attends a private college preparatory school, who achieves straight A's, is on the honor roll, is an athlete, completes copious amounts of community service and is planning to attend an Ivy League university.

Yet I recently developed a penchant for shoplifting. I'm not proud, and obviously it was an incredibly risky and stupid habit.

I was caught stealing $96 worth of merchandise from Urban Outfitters. I was taken into the back room, and the police were called. I was searched, practically interrogated, insulted and threatened by the policewoman. Yet she said that if I did not commit any more crimes, it would be expunged from my record when I turned 18. I will have to pay restitution and will receive a letter with a court date. I am pretty sure this crime qualifies as a misdemeanor.

My question is: As I will be applying to colleges before I turn 18, will every respectable university see that shoplifting misdemeanor on my record and want nothing to do with me. In short - Have I ruined my life?

Any advice would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

 

[thelawjournal]

Several things

1. What state laws vary by state

2. What is actual charge penal code?

3. Police are not Lawyers do not take legal advice from anyone except your Lawyer

4. A conviction can ruin your chances at scholarships

5. Consult a Criminal defense Attorney

These are for starters we can point you in right direction once these are answered

 

[HaveIRuinedMyLife]

1. I live in Idaho, but I committed the crime in Oregon.
2. I wasn't given a charge penal code. Should I have been?
3. You're saying I should get a lawyer?
4. I don't need a scholarship, but I do need to be accepted. Will it affect my chances of acceptance?

Thank you for responding!

 

[thelawjournal]

1. I live in Idaho, but I committed the crime in Oregon.
Unless tools were used or there was violence its likely going to be misdemeanor
2. I wasn't given a charge penal code. Should I have been?
Yes
3. You're saying I should get a lawyer?
Yes your facing criminal charges and a criminal record
4. I don't need a scholarship, but I do need to be accepted. Will it affect my chances of acceptance?
That is very possible

 

[HaveIRuinedMyLife]

Thank you.

Since I wasn't given a charge penal code, does the process change?

Also, will this most definitely be expunged off of my record when I turn 18?

 

[Guest]

Its a comonly believed myth that your record as a minor is sealed or expunged when you reach the age of majority. That is untrue your record is just that a record!

 

[HaveIRuinedMyLife]

So jacksgal, you're saying that I have ruined my life?

 

[thelawjournal]

I don't believe that is what she is saying. She is saying tha thavng a criminal record can. Your next actin should be to contact a Lawyer and ask about optionslike Diversion.