Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in Iowa
Charges
On Dec. 21, 2007 i was working a sears and a friend came up to me and i didnt ring up two of his items. He got 2 items for free. They have that on camera. I was told they have been watching me since day 1 that i started working. I gave free items to friends and i addmitted it, and i signed a paper stating that. I was told that i was free bagging and that's a crime. All together they said that i owe sears $658 dollars. The loss and prevention manager made a promise to me that none of this information would go out. He lied to me and told the head manager what was going on and proceeded to call the cops. Im 17 1/2 and i turn 18 in a week. The cop never read me my rights and just put me in a van. My question is will i get charged as an adult or a juvinelle. I was 17 at the time and i should be charged as a minor. I agree to pay all the money back and not have this go on my record. Should a get a lawyer on this case or not. The funny thing is i know all the items that i gave for free doesnt add up to 658 dollars. What do you think i should do.
Thanks
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Charges
You are learning a hard but valuable lesson. When you take the easy way out, it can cost you plenty. I cannot tell you the state of the law in Iowa but I can tell you that you have committed the crime of Larceny. If you truly want to be sure to avoid a serious crime on your permanent record, contact a lawyer who concentrates his practice in Criminal defense. Paying back more than you gave away is not the only cost you will have here. A good lawyer will cost you probably 3x the amount that they said you gave away. In all, you will be lucky not to have a record, spend time in jail and face paying 5 (or more) times the true value of the things you gave away.
That the loss prevention man lied, or that the cops didn't give you your rights (which they only have to do if they are going to question you)does not change the fact that this was all set in motion by your callus act of putting your friends and acquaintances in front of your duty to your employer. If you don't like your boss, quit. If you think you can offer a better deal than he does, go out and start your own business and see how that works for you. Stealing however was a cowardly act that will leave a question with every employer that you ever have wondering what you will take out of his family's mouth that day.
Just because Sears is a big store doesn't mean your act is inconsequential. In fact over 50% of all of Sear's losses come at the hands of their employees. Imagine what happens when those losses mount so high that they cost people to lose jobs. They lose their health insurance, and pensions. Their homes and families are put in jeopardy. It may not all be your fault, but you are part of the problem.
Yes kid, it is time to grow up. Get a lawyer,He will help you get a second chance. Then get your head on straight and commit to earning a living by doing what is right, not what is easy, convienent or popular.
Good luck.
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