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[osbourne]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New jersey

I got caught shop lifting at wal-mart in NJ. I was caught stealing an item worth $29.88. I'm 17 years old too, a minor. They dick of a store cop said i was going to jail because i was over 16 and it was over $25, and then immediately released into the custody of my mom. That didnt happen, the store cop called the police and they said just to let me go but they took down my information. They said I was banned from walmart and sams club forever. And if i do go to any walmart, it would be considered criminal trespassing. They said i was going to get a letter in the mail which i will have to appear in court. and ontop of that i have to pay up to a $150 fine.

What does the court usually decide for a first offense shoplifting charge for a minor living in NJ.

And are they going to do a drug test?

[anson34]

You'll probably pay a fine. If you don't have money you'll most likely get community service.

[giulio]

You'll probably pay a fine. If you don't have money you'll most likely get community service.

Since you were not arrested, I don't think you will face criminal charges. Wal Mart cannot force you to be drug tested. The letter you will be getting may ask for money in exchange for not being taken to civil court. The company I used to work for contracted with an outside company to send out these letters to shoplifters we had stopped in the store but not had arrested, asking for "fines" in exchange for not being sued. It is not clear if the threat to sue was ever carried out against those that did not pay the "fines". I tend to think that a minor with no assets and a $30 theft would not be a good candidate to sue in civil court. You might want to consult a lawyer before you pay any "fine".

We never bothered calling the police for minor shoplifters. Even adults who were arrested always received fines for shoplifting, never jail time (this was in Essex and Sussex counties in NJ). Also, minors would not be charged as adults for shoplifting, and juvenile records are sealed and will not prevent you from going to college, or getting a job.

Learn from the experience. When you are 18 and shoplift, you will acquire a police record that will follow you.

[delron]

we want to thank you for raising the prices now did you think walmart get the things
they sell for free NO THEY DO they have PAY for those items
and its up to DA to prosecute you not the police
and you will probably have to go to court
and you will now a criminal record for the rest of your life
good luck trying find a job go to college you will find doors been slammed
your face cause nobody want to hire a theft
and nobody will trust you anymore either