Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft petty theft of a minor

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mattdesanti

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hello, i'm 17 years old and last night i was caught trying to shoplift a cd that costed 12.99.

they caught me and detained me until two police arrived and they then proceeded to take my information and they gave me a uniform citation that said i'm never allowed to enter another best buy or i'll be arrested for 2nd degree trespassing.

the police also gave me a paper that gave me a court date on feb 27th.
the cop told me that i'll probably be fined, but he didn't know how much it would be.

i'm not exactly sure what i should do at this point. i'm figuring i'm going to plea guilty and accept whatever they give me.

is this a smart decision?
 
NO!

If it is a misdemeanor, you need to plead not guilty at arraignment.

Even if it is a civil infraction there are certain reasons not to plead guilty.

If possible, consult an attorney.
 
so i should plea not guilty, even though i know what i did was wrong and unlawful and everything?
what would happen if i plead guilty?
or if i plead not guilty?
 
so i should plea not guilty, even though i know what i did was wrong and unlawful and everything?
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Yes

what would happen if i plead guilty?
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then you are guilty of whatever you are accused of. Perhaps theft. Then when you go to get a retail job, or whatever you may wish for in College, you have to tell the Store that you stole from the last one that hired you.

or if i plead not guilty?
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You get a chance of a reduction, getting it totally kicked out, etc. At least there is some hope.

The system is set up that it infers you are guilty of many more crimes than the one you committed. Once you plead guilty, in your case, for at least 5 years it'll encumber you and make it harder to get a job. If, however, after 5 years that is the only crime on the books, odds are you can later get it expunged.

I know the desire to plead guilty and do the right thing is great, but the punishment is usually so severe it'll turn you jaded.
 
You need the services of a lawyer either your own or court appointed. then you meet with that Lawyer and discuss options. One such option is Diversion, if available. Diversion acts like a conviction but once you complete program your case is dismissed! This means when asked on College applications, job appplications or the like you can legally so NO! I would also suggest you enroll in an AntiShoplifting class. Do this now before court. Judges like it when defendants take action to correct their mistakes on their own. My husband knows of such a class and I will be happy to give you that contact info if you are interested. Send me an email for that info

pilars_plaything@yahoo.com
 
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BTW, pleading not guilty does not mean that you are saying you didn't do it; you are saying that you are standing on your right to have the prosecution prove your guilt. Innocent until proven guilty, right?
 
you are lucky. i have the same case too. but i have 2 robberies in the past so it might it a petty theft with a prior. i hope you stop and not in california . if you keep could do it and walk the life, you could be a three striker and get 25 years to life for hibitual criminal. there is alot of people for theft like dvd, cookies, clothes, and can of coke got 25 years to life. since it is your first time. u might just go thru some program or worst is probation. i am not scarying you or to judge you. the law is become stupid and victims are crying for justic.
 
what i meant stupid law is giving someone 25 years to life for a cookie, gums even can a coke? thats could happen to anyone or families one day. i agreed with crime is no good but hash punishment for petty theft isnt fair.
 
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