If im 16 years old, can i have a criminal record?

My Evil Twin

Yes, you can have a criminal record, though it will probably be sealed when you turn 18. From that point it would be accessible only by law enforcement & the judicial system should you get into trouble in the future which would require a look at your terrible teen years.

Shoplifting is a cry for help? Oh, please. If you needed attention you should've talked to your mom. Feeling neglected is not a valid excuse for shoplifting. You stole because you thought you could get away with it. You learned differently, but lying to yourself & others about why you did it will not help you. Face the facts about your behavior and it will be easier to turn yourself to a proper course.

Me?

yes you can. stop making excuses for yourself, if you can know all that stuff then its not true

I know what I know

If convicted yes you will have a criminal record. You need a Lawyer and you need to ask this Lawyer if Diversion is available in your case. You can also visit this forum site that answers questions from accused shoplifters without judging or attacking them

huffnpuff

you can have a criminal record the day you are charged as age is no barrier as it will always be on record no matter how old you are , or how little the crime it stays with you for the rest of your life once your finger prints are taken and even if not , if your charged even if you beat the offence you will always be on record

â™¥Good girl gone badâ™¥

yes you can have a criminal record

williamebales

Dear Inquirer,

The answer is yes. But let me explain to you something about the situation you are in.

1. When people make mistakes by trying to get attention, it is usually because they don't know what to ask for when trying to get help from their parents.
2. Even thou you made a mistake, it is what you do afterwords that is important. Everybody makes mistakes. And learning that you can be punished by making the mistakes is what this lesson is about. But if you understand that you made the mistake and are willing to show the judge that you now know what you did was wrong. Then usually the judge will see that you are trying to learn a valuable lesson and be easier on your punishment. Generally, a simple term of "paying restitution" (paying for the item that was taken) is in order, along with maybe picking up trash at the location can be a smaller type punishment. Even thou, you may feel that that is a lot of punishment for you, and you don't feel like doing that. It is still better than you getting a harsher punishment, like going to jail for 30 days and paying for the item, and picking up trash.
3. By you understanding that you need to show people that you made the mistake and you understand why it is wrong. You need to say to yourself, "it's not worth picking up trash and going to jail over", the next time you feel like shoplifting. If you walk into the court room with an adult attitude and tell the judge how you honestly understand what you did wrong. And then tell him or her, how you can get that item the next time instead of stealing it, because you wanted it. (example; borrowing the money, or asking someone to buy it for you or earning the money yourself), then they should go easy on you. But never think that next time you get the same punishment.

You will be ok, never think that your life is not worth living. Once you learn by your mistake, then when an employer asks you if you ever shoplifted before and you say yes "honestly", and tell him that you learned by your mistake. They will understand that you are trying to be a good person and will most likely help you get that job even thou they know that you once made a mistake. But it is up to you to show that you are willing to work hard and never shoplift again, by your actions, and not by your words.

"Remember, it is not what you did that stops you from getting that job, It's what you do afterwords with the knowledge you learned is what helps you get that job."

Good Luck, and just be honest about everything to everybody, and when they ask you questions, let them know flat out. That you learned by you mistake and now you are ready to move on in life. They will then see that you are becoming and adult.

Sincerely,

One who knows!

Bobby

First of all, you need to get help. At your age, you have your whole life ahead of you, and you shouldn't even think for a minute to end your life. Anyone can turn there self around. So can you. So please don't even think that way. Talk to your mom, that is the wrong way to get any ones attention. Besides think of all the people that would be hurt if you hurt yourself.

As for a criminal record, that only applies if you are convicted of a crime. So far you haven't been convicted. Most likely a judge will give you a fine or community service. Maybe even place you on probation for a year or less. Once you complete this they may even drop the record. But it also depends on what and how much you took.

A juvenile record does not carry with you when you turn 18. You will have no problem getting a job. I would try at all cost to have this taken care of when you go to court. Show remorse and show the judge you want to make a better life for your self. It's wrong what you did and why you did it, but it's not so terrible.

I hope this helped. Good luck. And please don't even think about hurting yourself or taking your life. Get the help you need. Talk to someone at your school or have mom set up a counseling session for you. take care.

Wookie?

You're 16, and you shoplifted. When you are older, I doubt people will care. Don't think about suicide because in all honesty, it does not solve anything, and all you leave behind is a bunch of even sadder people. I think this will be put on your record (not sure) and you will probably have to do some kind of service as well. It might depend on what you tried to steal. Keep your head up, and next time think before you act.

lemonyyyellow

Depends on what they decide in court. Usually they erase everything when you turn 18...but again it depends.

My guess is that you will only have to do the minimal.

P.S. i know you probably could care less that i say this, but if you're going through a rough time you should find something that you love to do. It always helps me. Especially something active

Cheesey

As soon as you're 13 or 14, you can have a criminal record.

Evil Resident

yes and the urban legend that your recordis erased when you turn 18 is very misleading so don't put too much stock in that. you will be able to get a job. you will probably get community service the first time don't try for two because you will pay.

Daija

Yes,because it does not matter if you is 16 or 12.If you did something real bad like killing or stalking yes it willl be on your criminal record.

ZachBquick

Yes my friend just got a record for shoplifting just 1 cent under the misdemeanor limit. You are gonna have a hard time getting a job if you tell the truth on your job apps and if they find you're lying you're probably screwed. Just be honest and accept you made a mistake. In time if your record is clean im sure everything will calm down

Christa

You can have a criminal record and possibly go to juvy which will definitly go on your record and make it Extremly hard to find a job. Especially right now.

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