I just got caught shoplifting at macys in new jersey. they made me pay a fine of 150 dollars and i have to go to court on Thursday to plea guilty. I’m so embarrased of what i did and i feel so bad that i really think is not worth it at all to do something like that. My question is. I’m coming back home, peru, in about a month and i’m not planning to come back to the states again, or at least in a couple of years. Is it possible that after i plead guilty they just fine me for what i did without making any community service due to i’m leaving in a month??? is there any chance to do something in order to convice the judge that what i did was something stupid? could you please give me as much information as you can about this, this has never happened to me before and i’m so nervous about it. I got aout 150 dollars in merchandise. please i need help, thanks a lot.
Another question…is there any way that my employee would know about this?? or they keep it quiet, pay the fee and that´s all…i´m just so nervous and I feel so bad…just want everything to be okey, please if this happen to anyone tell me your experiences. Is it obligatory to do community service, if so, how does that work?? thanks a lot
Why don’t you PAY for your crap like the rest of us. Do you know your shoplifting makes us working individuals have to pay more to make up for the loss you are causing the retailers!!!!!!
I have no sympathies for you. Take your punishment, even if you have to delay your travel plans. You do the crime, you do the time.
Screw paying the fine, just go back to Peru its not like the US is going to chase you all the way to Peru for a 150 fine.
And I am sure Peru is much more beautiful than the states I’d love to go there myself some day
It honestly depends what your local laws are. They vary from state to state, county to county, city to city. Where I live you could possibly be arrested, but most likely not because it would be a hard case to prove. Unless you were on tape standing right next to the person with complete knowledge of what is going on. Oh and I recommend telling the truth because if you lie and they do find you on tape with the person then you will be busted for hindering the investigation. NJ Theft charges/offenses are categorized as follows:
Theft, Second Degree (2nd) Charge
A theft charge is a second degree crime if the value of the items are worth $75,000 or more.
The maximum penalty for a second degree crime (felony) is up to 10 years in prison.
Other factors that will make a theft charge a 2nd degree crime under New Jersey law are:
* The property is taken by extortion;
* The property stolen is a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog and the quantity is in excess of one kilogram;
* The property stolen is a person’s benefits under federal or State law, or from any other source, which the Department of Human Services or an agency acting on its behalf has budgeted for the person’s health care and the amount involved is $75,000 or more; or
* The property stolen is human remains or any part thereof.
NJ Theft, Third degree (3rd) Charge
A theft charge is a third degree crime if the value of the items are worth more than $500, up to $75,000.
The maximum penalty for a third degree crime (felony) is up to 5 years in prison.
Other factors that will make a theft charge a 3rd degree crime under New Jersey law are:
* The property stolen is a firearm (gun, rifle, pistol), or a motor vehicle, vessel, boat, horse, domestic companion animal or airplane;
* The property stolen is a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog and the amount involved is less than $75,000.00 or is undetermined and the quantity is one kilogram or less;
* It is from the person of the victim;
* It is in breach of an obligation by a person in his capacity as a fiduciary;
* It is by threat not amounting to extortion;
* It is of a public record, writing or instrument kept, filed or deposited according to law with or in the keeping of any public office or public servant;
* The property stolen is a person’s benefits under federal or State law, or from any other source, which the Department of Human Services or an agency acting on its behalf has budgeted for the person’s health care and the amount involved is less than $75,000;
* The property stolen is any real or personal property related to, necessary for, or derived from research, regardless of value, including, but not limited to, any sample, specimens and components thereof, research subject, including any warm-blooded or cold-blooded animals being used for research or intended for use in research, supplies, records, data or test results, prototypes or equipment, as well as any proprietary information or other type of information related to research;
* The property stolen is a New Jersey Prescription Blank as referred to in; or
* The property stolen consists of an access device or a defaced access device.
NJ Theft in the fourth degree (4th) Charge
A theft charge is a fourth degree crime if the value of the items are worth more than $200, up to $500.
The maximum penalty for a forth degree crime (felony) is up to 18 months in prison.
NJ Theft – Disorderly Persons Charge
A theft charge is classified as a disorderly persons charge (misdemeanor) under New Jersey law if the amount involved is under $200.
A disorderly persons offense has a maximum penalty of up to six months in jail.
Charge Value of Goods Max Penalty Class
Disorderly Under $200 up to 6 months in jail Disorderly Persons
4th Degree $200-$500 up to 18 months in jail Felony Crime
3rd Degree $500-$75000 up to 5 years Felony Crime
2nd Degree $75,000+ up to 10 years Felony Crime
Stop stealing! Don’t make the plans to go back home to peru. You will most likely get community service at the court appearance (as you should). the judge and court won’t matter that you had plans to go to peru in a month. You owe your debt to your criminal actions in AMERICA!
Go back to Peru and promise to take your whole family with you and never return to our country. We don’t need theives coming to America and abuse our laws. I will personally contact the judge if you promise to leave and not come back.
It is a misdemeanor. You most likely will simply get a fine and maybe probation. It isn’t going to stop you from leaving the country and you most certainly should not just leave or ignore your court appearance. Plea to the mercy of the judge, admit your wrong doing and get it over with.