What will the outcome be of stealing honest answers please?

[Anonymous]

My family member has been struggling. 8k Medical bills etc. not that it’s an excuse it’s not! She stole some food items and also changed the price tag to lower tags but if she didn’t change the price it would still be less than $100 she stole which I asked her because I know the pricing matters. She does have a good job helping others of all things but we all know the cost of living is brutal again not an excuse just my thinking. Anyways she told me she had a police call and found out that the store caught her on camera with these higher priced food items scanned as less, some items not paid for and some items were paid for. The police told her the store was going to sue and within 2-3 weeks they’ll call her about everything and the video. How can I help her through this. She has never been arrested …. She’s also scared of going to jail. Should she get a lawyer now or wait?

[Guy13]

Good record, lawyer, desperation, and community service could happen.

[Asker]

I was thinking possibly community service ….. will she have a record if that happens?

[Guy13]

Misdemeanor means little. DUI is worse than what she did. Possible reimbursement required

[Asker]

Got it thank you

[Guy13]

Good luck ‼️

[KrakenAttackin]

The store won't "sue", they will either seek criminal charges or not.

[KrakenAttackin]

Under $100 she is looking at a misdemeanor and probably a fine, restitution, and community service.

[Asker]

Thanks she has a lawyer currently

[BoopBoopBeep]

If you can't afford to get food how do you plan on getting an attorney that's worth more than a turd in a punch bowl? Steal a bunch of food and give it to him as payment? Your family member is a thief. Thieves go to jail. She should have considered that beforehand. If everybody stole then the stores would have to close and the honest people would have nowhere to shop and everyone would get laid off, so time for your family member to grow up and take some accountability for her actions. The good news is she'll have food in prison.

[Anonymous]

If this is simply a matter of petty theft (as it sounds) her best action is just owning up (and explaining why in court). If though the shop aren't willing to settle with her, after her confessing and agreeing to make right or if they are dead set on suing for damages in a way that may ask from her more than the small amount she's save herself. Then, yes, she should seek representation. The best thing to do, if she can't afford (as would be expectable doing such crime) to pay a lawyer is contact citizens advice or visit the local courthouse and ask about representation and advice.

Most people are understanding that these times cause people to make bad decsions.

It's a tricky thing, and as she's guilty her best way is to show genuine remorse; Explain her situation and why she felt it was necessary (aka how she would suffer genuinely without the food) and hope the proceedings are mercyful.

Long term though this economic situation is unsustainable. People need work and people need to eat.

[Anonymous]

Possible jail time, I imagine.

[Asker]

There’s a lot of things before that though in consideration from never had a record, it’s less than $100, fines, community service etc.

[Asker]

Just was wondering if anyone was aware of the options besides jail

[In_Trance]

It really lies in the hands of the court now

[Asker]

Okay!

[msc545]

Definitely get her a lawyer right away.

[Asker]

Okay thank you I will help her tomorrow