Im 17 years old. I was caught stealing R70 of chocolate. Will i Have a criminal record?

Question

I was at the shops, thought it would be cool to take something, so I took chocolates. I’m going to appear in court on Monday. What is the worst that can happen to me? Will I have a permanent criminal offence? How will this affect me in future if I apply for a job or to move overseas?

Answer 1

At 17 you are considered a juvenille and this will go on your juvenille record the day you turn 18 this record is sealed. So to look at this record there would have to be a good reason. What you did was shoplift very stupid but not the end of the world. If you have the money get a lawyer at the least find one who offers a free initial consultation. They will be able to advise you to the best way to handle this situation. The Judge may just make you pay a fine and give you some comunity service. In order to scare you he will probably give you a suspended sentence meaning if for the next six months you so much as jaywalk he will put you in jail for  set amount of time. I hope you learned a lesson and are sorry for what you done and not just sorry you got caught. Make this a learning experience. Not a good learning experience but yet a learning experience. Also when feeling out a job application most do not ask about misdemenors only felonies. I'm sure the attorney will tell you that once the record is sealed. You do not have to tell a future employer anything about this incedent.

Answer 2

I'm a juvenile detention officer. When we have juveniles that commit crimes like this its usually Theft 4 or 5th. I doubt you will see any time in a juvie hall unless you violate probation. Most likely be on probation for 6months and have community service

Answer 3

Just remember this would be a theft charge and companies that hire people will usually turn away a theft charge even if it was just a misdemeanor. I have had many years of HR experience and this came up all of the time. If you were 7 and stole a pack of gum, who really cares. Now that your 17 years old, they do care.

Answer 4

LOL! U R A NOOB!

Answer 5

Yes if you commit a crime after the age of 15 your crimes you do can stay on your recored unless a judge expunges when your 18, you really messed up you will not ever be able to get a security clearance, ie government work, get a lawyer and try to fight this

Answer 6

Bad luck man um this isn't really relevant but i was caught underaged drinking at 14 I am 15 now, the police locked me up for a while then my dad came and got me and they said that my criminal record was public and every one could see it but after a year it would no longer be available to the public but it would be always on the police data base, so that might happen to you?

good luck mate i really hope that you don't get punished too hard!

Answer 7

Forget about going overseas, when they see that you steal they won't let you in their country.

Answer 8

Why in the world would you have done that?  If you want to do something exhilarating try bungee jumping or something like that.  Most likely it will be a slap on the wrist and maybe some community service or a fine.  Most likely it will not be a permanent mark on your record being the first offense.  Really, be smart about things look for other things to get a thrill from, that are not illegal, it is not worth ruining your future.  You have the opportunity to do so many great things in your life.