Shoplifting Maine Help?

by **troyes** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 12:34 am

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maine

On 07/09/2010 I shoplifted a total of $15 dollars of merchandise (chapstick and a snow globe) from a gift shop in York, Maine. After walking out of the store me and my friend where told to "stop" by the owner. We panicked and ran, after running a while we saw that a police officer was chasing us. I immediately stopped and we where both taken to the York Police Department. It is my first offense and I am 16 years old. I received a Juvenile Summons and a court date for Sept. 13th. I committed a juvenile defense of theft by unauthorized taking/transfer (17A 383 Class E). What is going to happen, I was told that since I am a well-rounded kid and do good in school, and seemings it was my first offense it will all be considered in court. Do I need a lawyer? Will this effect college/future jobs? Will this go on my permanent record? What should I expect? All help is appreciated, thankyou.

by **tonibraxton** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 12:38 am

You are facing criminal charges and a criminal record yes you need a Lawyer. Start calling them Monday, many offer free consultations. Get as many as you can. When you meet these lawyers ask them about diversion

by **stanciyf** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 12:48 am

You are facing criminal charges and a criminal record yes you need a Lawyer. Start calling them Monday, many offer free consultations. Get as many as you can. When you meet these lawyers ask them about diversion

They will say no, it won't be held against you. But, if you get in trouble in the same county again, it will be used against you. The charges will show. You won't be charged as an adult and it won't carry over to an adult record. Shouldn't anyway. You may have to do community service. Don't it again. $15. isn't worth it.

by **modraed** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 1:01 am

they're going to give you probation. From here on... everytime that you mess up on your probation, things are just gonna get worse and worse and worse.

My advice... do the probation the way they tell you to do it, and discharge it. And then don't steal anymore.
Your life will be much easier, I promise.

by **hyun-su** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 1:05 am

Most likely you'll get a fine and/or community service. Since the police were involved, it will go on your record as well. You can usually get this expunged after a certain amount of time.

It really all depends on your judge, since it is your first time and you have a good background you MIGHT get put on probation and nothing will happen. But again, this depends on your judge.

I wouldn't hire a lawyer, but you can if you feel like you should.

by **bronsin** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 1:07 am

Most likely you'll get a fine and/or community service. Since the police were involved, it will go on your record as well. You can usually get this expunged after a certain amount of time.

It really all depends on your judge, since it is your first time and you have a good background you MIGHT get put on probation and nothing will happen. But again, this depends on your judge.

I wouldn't hire a lawyer, but you can if you feel like you should.

I don't know about Maine law, but in general, juvenile records are not available to the public. Juvenile courts are much more flexible because the purpose is to correct bad behavior before adulthood.

For the reason that the legal course and punishment are flexible and can be influenced, I recommend getting a lawyer who specializes in juvenile law. A good lawyer will try to get a diversion program or some remedy to correct your behavior. I also recommend professing remorse and not making any excuses to the judge. Admit what you did was wrong, and that you understand stealing hurts people. If you can show that you understand you did something very wrong, you'll help your case.

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