What will happen after shoplifting if I have a previous juvenile record? 32 Answers as of January 20, 2012

If you shoplifted from a military base, I believe that's going to be a federal crime, not state. Federal law works a little differently, and you may end up with some answers to this that are not accurate because they're assuming you're subject to Texas law. Unless that case was also federal (I don't practice in federal court, so I have no idea about that), I doubt your juvenile record was expunged, and it may or may not have even been sealed (even if it was, the prosecutor and court will still know about it). I wouldn't count on it being gone, at any rate. Pretrial diversion may or may not be an optionsome jurisdictions offer that, and some don't. Again, if it's a federal case, you're looking at different laws and policies, and I would strongly encourage you to get a good attorney who handles federal criminal cases (most attorneys do not, and you have to be specifically admitted to practice in a federal court to be able to do sojust having a Texas lawyer won't help). Even if you "just pay a fine", that's still probably going to be considered a conviction, and any kind of theft conviction can leave you unable to get employment and can effectively ruin the rest of your life. I'd also suggest that you seriously consider seeking counseling for whatever problem it is you're having that's led you to steal multiple timesusually that's a sign that something's going on in your life that you need to get some help with. Good luck.

If you are a member of the armed forces, which it sounds from your letter that you are, this is a military offense, which you need advice from a military law expert. However, if you are a civilian, and are going to a civilian court, you should retain counsel to insure you that the matter will not be a permanent mark on your record. If you were arrested, and fingerprinted and had a mug shot taken, it could be a mark on your arrest record. You must get court diversion or, if in Illinois, supervision, if you hope to have this expunged at a later date, anything else is a conviction, for which you will never be able to get an expungement.

The Juvi record should noteffect the disposition of the petty theft BUT it often does. Get a lawyer. If you can't afford one get the Public Defender. The trouble with petty theft convictions is that if you pick up another they will charge it as a felony. Guys with two strikes (not you of course) who pick up a petty as a felony are three strikes eligible. Frightening, no? Get out of your nasty habit of stealing. It will only cause you grief. Good luck.

If this was on a military base, were you charged in the military court or a local city court? Your previous juvenile record should not have an effect on this charge as those records are sealed when you become an adult. You should be eligible fora diversion for a first offense as an adult. An attorney would not be a bad idea since you seem to have a number of questions about this procedure.

If you don't have money for a lawyer, you can ask to have one appointed for you. The maximum penalty for any misdemeanor is 12 months in jail and/or a $1000 fine. In practice, the penalty is usually much less, especially if you have no prior adult offenses.

Discuss all options with an attorney in person. Simply conceding the case, or pleading guilty, could have longterm consequences. If you EVER apply for a job, apply to a school, or to anything else, then those entities are usually interested in knowing about past theft convictions (even fines).

Juvy records are sealed and won't be used against you for your new adult charge.

It depends on the amount of theft that you are alleged to have stolen. You may be looking at jail time and a large fine as well as restitution but it depends on the facts of your case.

Unfortunately, the answer to a lot of your questions depends on which court you are in. Go the first time, plead Not Guilty, and see what they are offering. If they are offering pretrial diversion then you should probably take it. I doubt they will have access to your juvenile record. Usually though, pretrial diversion is a one shot deal. So if this ever happens again, they would not offer it to you again.

I advise all criminal defendants to retain counsel, regardless of whether imprisonment is a possibility Even if you end up resolving the matter without going to trial, you will still be required to make a formal plea before the court which can carry many consequences which may not be apparent without an attorney involved. Even if you only pay fines, you will likely face some type of probation, with its own set of rules and consequences. An attorney serves as your advocate, to not only negotiate the best possible outcome for you, but also to ensure you successfully comply with the terms of your sentence. Simply because you indicated you did not need an attorney previously does not waive your right to retain one. If you feel you cannot afford an attorney, inquire into whether you you qualify from court appointed counsel. In Massachusetts, the Probation Department should have performed a screening at your arraignment to determine your eligibility for a court appointed attorney. You can start by contacting them to determine what steps you can take to obtain counsel at this stage. You can always go the route of hiring a private attorney as well.

Pre-Trial Diversion is typically available in the Juvenile Court. You are likely in a Federal Court if the shop-lifting occurred on a military base. When you do not ask for a lawyer, you are left with no real direction, and advice cannot be accurately given via an e-mail. You should reconsider getting an attorney so that you know exactly what you are doing and exactly what the consequences may be. Otherwise, you are left asking a question on the internet and getting advice which is worth exactly what you paid for. My advice is to hire an attorney to get some real advice.

If you are in the military they usually tell you to waive a lawyer and just plead guilty. That military conviction can be a problem in the future. You did not get your previous case expunged if it was in New york State. you may have gotten a Youthful Offender Treatment disposition and that would not be a criminal conviction but that will hurt your chances of getting into the military or getting promoted. It will be a problem getting a government job and sometimes it will be searchable for job applications, college admissions, or if you want to be a lawyer or a doctor. You are a thief and a bad decision maker. You decided to steal again and risk your future for a few dollars, and you did it on a military base. If you are in the service and stole from a military store you also risked your career in the military. You should retain an attorney to handle any criminal case and if you are indigent you will have an attorney assigned to handle the case. Life is about making good decisions. You should study hard, find a career that you love, and work hard. You should follow the law and build a good reputation. It is not too late to change your life but you will have to start making good decisions and stay out of trouble. Good Luck.

Unfortunately I cannot forecast what the Court will do if you are convicted. They do consider your prior record and can take it into account when determining a sentence. You really should obtain a lawyer to ensure the best result.

You must retain an attorney since a jail sentence or a sentence to probation is possible. This is not a charge that you should take lightly.

Shoplifting from a military base may be a federal case. If its a California state case it is charged as a commercial burglary case. Depending on the amount taken it will be a misdemeanor or felony case. If it is a misdemeanor the court will not treat the juvenile case as a prior. A first time misdemeanor for this maximum pinilities is one year in county jail and or up to $1,000.00 fine. You should get a fine and three years summary probation. Whenever you go to court you will be facing an attorney that is presenting the other side. You should always have your own attorney to represent your side. Not having your own attorney is like bringing a knife to a gun fight.

You need to look into hiring an attorney. Usually Juvenile records are sealed, but the arrest may show up and they prosecutor may push for some jail time.

A theft offense can be very serious. Prosecutors are less likely to offer reasonable resolutions if you have a prior record. A conviction would leave an indelible mark on your record and it can impact future employment and other opportunities. As a result, an aggressive defense is necessary. As a misdemeanor offense, a theft under $500 is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. Often, however, with the assistance of counsel, you may be able to avoid a conviction with a Stay of Prosecution which, upon completion of certain conditions, may result in a dismissal of the charge.

Shoplifting is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine.. So, yes, you could go to jail. Whether the judge imposes jail time or gives you a suspended sentence, or even allows a diversion, depends upon the particular facts of your case. My recommendation is that you retain the services of an attorney so they can help you examine all the issues. Please bear in mind that the criminal charge is only one aspect. If you are convicted. even if you do no jail time.. It could have long term implications affecting future employment. It could also disqualify you from attending certain colleges and universities, as well as disqualify you from any student loans, grants, and scholarships. This is potentially serious. My advice: Get an attorney.

ABSOLUTELY hire an attorney. Shoplifting is a crime of moral turpitude and could prevent you from ever getting a normal job. Don't just pay a fine and put it on your record. That is the worst thing you could do. Hire an attorney and either get it dismissed, pretrial intervention or deferred adjudication probation. And don't screw up on the probation and get it on your record.

Your juvenile case could not be expunged until you were 21 so you were misinformed. If it is misdemeanor theft and the State of Washington handles the prosecution, you can be sentenced up to 365 days in jail. Given the tax revenue shortage in Washington it is unlikely you will see much jail time but it's a possibility. If you want to increase the odds of jail, make restitution to the PX and ask them if they would sign off on a Compromise of Misdemeanor. If they won't it will still look good to the judge that you took responsibility for your misconduct and are making amends. There's also a theft prevention class you can take through the probation department of the court you are in. Do these three things and be prepared to apologize to the court, the prosecutor and the store and you have a decent chance of getting Work Crew instead of jail.

You need a lawyer on any criminal matter, and if you can't afford one then you can ask for one to be appointed. Depending on the value of the property stolen, yes the criminal offense carries a maximum punishment of jail time, restitution and fines. Having a juvenile record for the same offense may disqualify you for diversion. You can only get an expungement if you complete diversion and pay any fines, restitution and court costs. If you don't get a lawyer, your choice is to plead guilty or go to trial, usually the State will not make you an offer directly.

In New Hampshire, shoplifting is a misdemeanor if the value of the goods is less than $1000. If you are charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, the maximum penalty is $2,000 fine and up to 12 months at the county jail. If you are charged with a Class B misdemeanor, the maximum penalty is a $1,2000 fine. You are required to go to your arraignment where you would enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Generally speaking , you cannot just go to court, ask for a pre-trial diversion and get your case dismissed in NH. I advise that you speak with an attorney immediately about your case. You may face just fines but shoplifting is a crime and a guilty finding would result in a criminal record. You cannot just pay fines and have your case "expunged" in NH. In NH, expungement does not exist - it is called an annulment and there are certain statutory requirements prior to filing your petition to annul a record of arrest or conviction. Additionally, your juvenile record in NH is never "expunged." It is considered confidential and not subject to public disclosure.