I've been arrested for shoplifting, now what?

Hello fellow dopers,

I was recentlly was arrested in indiana for stealing $80.00 worth of computer games from Meijer in centeral indiana. I have to send $200.00 in back to Meijer, and have a court day in a couple months. I’m 18 years old, and about to head off to college, my birthday is in 2 days, and I haven’t told my parents yet… (yes, I am in a sticky situation) My question is, what can I expect from indiana courts? I’ve been searching and searching for web-sites w/ answers but, can not find any. I knew if I turned to straightdope.com, I would get pointed in the right direction.

Well, did you really do it, or are you innocent?

Don’t answer that.

You need a lawyer. This could effect your college and your future employment, and follow you for life.

That probably means telling your parents.

Tell your parents. Get a lawyer(or they will). NOW>

I need to know what kind of punishment I’m looking at though

Ask your lawyer.

I’ve been checking around, and believe I’m only looking at a fine, and a probation sentence…

I don’t see the point in getting a lawyer, I’m already guilty, I’ve already fessed up, the sentence can’t get any lighter.

I’ve changed my mind. From reading some of your other posts, you ain’t just some innocent 18 yr. old who did this first time. YOu race cars, you have a stupid screen name, you post questions about pot, but then you say things such as

Either you are smart beyond your years and choose to piss it all away, or you are just fuc*ing with us.

Get a lawyer and quit talking to us amatuers.

No, I seriously need some help… Lawyers are too expensive and my dad won’t hire one. I’ll just be fucked then, thanks for the help…

Less Cannabis and more common sense might be a good thing at this point Chuckis. Call. a . lawyer.

No, on second thought in reviewing the situation, you are completely right. Your clear, youthful grasp of the intricacies of the situation has pierced the veil of confusion. A respected lawyer speaking for you and offering a well constructed argument of your personal contrition and shame at the evil deed you have perpetrated, and instructing you on how to behave in order to minimize the harshness of the sentence, would be a waste of time. Represent yourself! The court will admire and smile on your fearlessness.

No one here can help you. Speak to a lawyer. This is closed.


Cajun Man - SDMB Moderator