If I’m 17 and I was caught shoplifting a pair of $50 jeans, what can I expect?
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If I’m 17 and I was caught shoplifting a pair of $50 jeans, what can I expect?
This is my first offense and I have nothing on my record. Will the police tell my school?
Asked on November 26, 2011 under Criminal Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
First of all, for a first offense shoplifting charge of $50, the court can allow for a special probation called "diversion". This is an alternative sentencing tool that allows a person charged with a crime to clear their criminal record so long as all terms of the probation have successfully completed.
The way it works is like this: the defendant appears before a judge and pleads guilty to the offense. They issue a probation (typically community service, payment of the fine, restitution, etc). At such point that all conditions are met in full, the plea is withdrawn and the case is dismissed. In effect, the case is "diverted" out of the criminal justice system. You will be left with a clean criminal history record.
You may want to speak with a criminal law attorney, especially since diversion is only available to first-time offenders. If they can get the charge dropped on a technicality or the like, then diversion would be available to you should it ever be needed in the future.
Finally, I can see no reason why your school would need to be informed of any of this.
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