Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft What is going to happen?

[blissful]

I just turned 17 and the other day I was caught shop lifting. I shop lifted less than $20 but i was with my friend who got more. We got caught and were taken to a back room where they took our names and we waited for the cop. My court date is next month and what i'm wondering is what is going to happen? I'm an honors student, and I wanna be able to get into a really good school. Is that still possible? How much is the fine? I wanna be prepared for everything.

 

[blissful]

Is it going to be put on my record? Is there any way that it isn't going to be put on my record?
My friend says it'll only be there until I turn 18 but is that true?

 

[blissful]

Am I going to need a lawyer?

 

[thelawjournal]

Your facing criminal charges yes you need a Lawyer. Its hard to say what will happen without knowing the charge. Can you give us penal code your charged under. What was your total combined theft amount and was it ony one store?

 

[NormanJr]

Police and court records remain in the system always...kind of. Most places cannot see your juvenile record (some can) and if you apply for a government job etc, it will flag.

Get a criminal lawyer to mitigate your exposure and relax - you aren't the first or the last juvenile to be caught shoplifting. Just remember, do not repeat your mistake and do not shoplift again.

 

[blissful]

It was only one store, and it was probably less than $50 of stuff. I'm from california, and they just called it petty theft.

 

[thelawjournal]

Then its misdemeanor meaning Diversion (if available) is an option

 

[blissful]

Will that go on my record?

 

[thelawjournal]

Will what go on your record? A conviction yes? Diversion is not a conviction as most Diversion programs go

 

[blissful]

Oh, ok. So I need a lawyer? Or can I just get one appointed to me when I go to court?

 

[blissful]

And is the fine I have to pay going to be expensive?
Or is there so way I can get out of paying it, because the officer who handled us said that if we don't pay it, my license will be suspended until i'm 25

 

[thelawjournal]

Oh, ok. So I need a lawyer? Or can I just get one appointed to me when I go to court?

If you lack the funds for private Attorney yes request Public Defender

 

[thelawjournal]

And is the fine I have to pay going to be expensive?
Or is there so way I can get out of paying it, because the officer who handled us said that if we don't pay it, my license will be suspended until i'm 25

I know of no means (other than jail) to avoid payng fines