Shoplifting may seem like an exciting and fun adventure to young people, but in reality, it’s a serious crime. Many teenagers don’t understand the legal and personal repercussions of stealing, thinking that it’s a minor offense they can get away with.
However, if you or someone you know has been caught shoplifting, it’s essential to know what happens next and how it can impact your future.
What Happens If You Get Caught Shoplifting Under 18?
If a minor is caught shoplifting, the consequences vary depending on several factors, like the value of the stolen goods, prior offenses, and specific state laws.
Here’s a general idea of what could happen:
- Detention by Store Security – Most stores have loss prevention officers who detain shoplifters until the police arrive. If you’re caught, expect to be held and questioned.
- Involvement of Law Enforcement – Once the police arrive, they may issue a citation, take you into custody, or release you to your parents, depending on the severity of the offense.
- Parental Notification – In most cases, parents or guardians will be called to pick up the minor, and they may have to deal with legal repercussions on their child’s behalf.
- Legal Charges – Depending on the situation, minor shoplifting charges can range from infractions to misdemeanors and, in rare cases, felonies.
Can You Go To Juvie For Stealing?
The short answer is: yes, it’s possible. However, juvenile detention (also known as juvie) is generally reserved for repeat offenders or cases where the theft involved force, large amounts of money, or other crimes such as vandalism. First-time offenders usually face less severe penalties such as community service, fines, or diversion programs.
Courts often look at factors such as:
- The value of the stolen goods
- Whether the minor has a criminal history
- If violence or threats were involved
If the court deems then it becomes neccessary for a minor to be sentenced to juvenile detention. However, most first-time offenders are given the chance to participate in educational programs or probation instead.
Does Shoplifting as a Minor Stay on Your Record?
One of the biggest concerns for young people and their parents is whether minor shoplifting charges will follow them into adulthood. The answer depends on the state’s laws and whether the record is sealed or expunged.
- Juvenile Records Are Not Always Permanent – In many states, juvenile records are sealed once the person reaches adulthood, meaning they won’t appear in background checks.
- Expungement May Be Possible – Some minors may have the opportunity to have their records completely erased from the shoplifting database, but this usually requires completing a probationary period, community service, or a rehabilitation program.
- Repeat Offenses Matter – If a minor continues to engage in theft, their record may not be eligible for sealing or expungement, making it harder to apply for jobs, colleges, or military service in the future.
Shoplifting Charges for Minors: What Are the Penalties?
Even if you’re under 18, shoplifting charges for minors can lead to serious legal consequences, including:
- Fines and Restitution – Minors or their parents will be asked to pay for the stolen items or additional fines.
- Community Service – Many first-time offenders are assigned tasks to serve community service hours instead of strict penalties.
- Probation – Courts may impose a probation period where the minor must follow strict guidelines, such as attending school regularly and avoiding further legal trouble.
- Juvenile Detention – In extreme cases, especially for repeat offenders, a judge may sentence a minor to time in juvenile detention.
- Civil Lawsuits – Some stores may sue minors (or their parents) for damages related to theft.
How to Avoid Future Incidents?
If you or someone you know has been caught shoplifting, it’s important to take steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Here are some key strategies:
- Understand the Consequences – Knowing that shoplifting can result in criminal charges, financial penalties, and a damaged reputation can be a powerful deterrent. However, shoplifting consequences for adults may be different.
- Seek Support and Counseling – Sometimes, shoplifting is a sign of deeper issues such as peer pressure, emotional struggles, or financial hardship. Seeking counseling or guidance can help address the root cause.
- Engage in Positive Activities – Encouraging minors to participate in sports, volunteer work, or hobbies can provide a healthy outlet for stress and keep them away from risky behaviors.
- Parental Involvement – As a parent, you have the duty to keep away your children from shoplifting. You can teach your children about responsibility, ethics, and the impact of their actions.
Bottom Line
While it may appear that shoplifting is a minor offense, the outcomes can be serious. You may be charged with legal penalties, financial burdens, and a bad reputation. If you’ve been caught shoplifting, it is important to know your rights and the steps you can take to move forward positively.
Learning from the experience and making better choices in the future will help ensure that one bad decision doesn’t define your entire life.
