Many states treat persons under the
age of 18 as juveniles when they are
charged with criminal offenses.
Missouri, where you are from, is not one
of them.
In Missouri, persons over the age of
17 who commit crimes are treated as
adults. Thus, your upcoming 18th
birthday will have no effect on your
case. (Had you been 16, going on 17 when
the crime occurred, your case would have
been handled in the juvenile court,
since the determining factor is your age
on the date of the offense, rather than
your age on subsequently scheduled court
dates.)
If this is your first offense, and
the item is valued at less than $500.00,
the offense is a Class A Misdemeanor,
punishable by jail and/or a fine.
Criminal convictions, even for minor
offenses like shoplifting, can have
long-term consequences, particlularly
with prospective employers, Many
states provide for diversion for first
time offenders in shoplifting cases.
Under such a program, you could avoid a
permanent criminal conviction being
placed on your record.
I recommend you seek out the services
of an experienced criminal defense
attorney in your area who can advise you
if diversion is an available option and
whether, after considering any defenses
you might have to the charge, it is one
you should pursue.
-- Jeralyn Merritt
