sorry if this post shouldnt be here but i dont know where else to post this topic

i am 14 years old and i recently commited a felony by shoplifting over 400 dollars worth of stuff at a store. however i didnt get arrested, instead i got a citation. does anyone know whats going to happen to me? like am i going to court or am i never going to get a job until im 18 or something?
thanks

Watch the cornhole

I think it's an order to appear in court. i dunno. I had a friend that got caught shoplifting but it wasn't that much and they gave him community service. So it probably isn't anything major. Then again $400 is

quote:

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am i going to court

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Usually a citation (or ticket) will indicate whetever or not a court appearance is nessacary. Check the very bottom. Double check and then call the county clerk of the court to confirm, they will ask for the citation number which is usually printed on the upper right or left portion of the citation.

You age is a factor however considering a citation was issued it is probabaly being filed as a misdemeanor offense. Something you also need to check on.

Appear in court. Dress nicely. And ask the judge to withold judification in lieu of punishment or rehablitation that he sees fit.

Witholding judification simply means that it does not appear on your record as a conviction.

In california in accordance to state statutes a violent crime or forceable felony would stay on your record past your eighteenth birthday whereas a shoplifting charge (unless they are writing this up as grand larceny) will drop off or can be sealed. If I recal correctly, however check on that for yourself.

How will this effect potential employment? Considering your age, qualifications, experiance and skills I sincerely doubt you will be applying for a position (earning more than 1k a week) that will iniatate a background investigation on their own.

Generally you are under no legal obligation to honestly check the box that says "Yes I am a convicted felon". If they find out later they can fire your ass but that's all.

Applying to a state, country or local government position is a different story however at fourteen i'm assuming you're considering the local burger king or blockbuster video. In which case if you are convicted (keep in mind that you are not until you a judge judicates so) or even if you are, just lie on the application.


[This message has been edited by I Love Poop (edited 06-02-2002).]