Teen Scene & Commitment
Even if you are under age 18, a felony charge can result in more than one year in a commitment facility…that might not be the kind of commitment you are looking for. “You may outgrow your responsibility to listen to your parents, but you will never outgrow your responsibility to obey the law.” That is a quote from Judge Alexander and Judge Wolfe. They go on to point out, “The best way to remain in charge of your own life is to know the law, and obey it. Do otherwise, and you are responsible for putting someone that you do not even know in charge of telling you everything from where you can go and what you can do, all the way down to what you can wear, and what you can eat.” You do not have to live with your parents. Juvenile Justice will feed you. You can get into bars, but getting out may take some time and community service. Be mindful of what you make a commitment to. Read More
Attention Shoplifters:
Intent to steal can get you convicted of Shoplifting…even if you do not leave the store. According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Shoplifting is a one of the most common nonviolent crimes nationwide. The Sheriff’s Office defines Shoplifting as the “theft of property offered for sale.” Shoplifting charges come in different sizes and degrees depending on the value of the item stolen. Petit Theft applies to items worth less than $300, and Grand Theft applies to items worth $300 or more. Grand Theft falls in Felony territory. The best way to avoid a Shoplifting Charge? Do not commit the crime. Read More
Criminal Mischief
Criminal mischief becomes a felony at $1,000. Criminal Mischief is when you damage someone’s property on purpose. If that damage exceeds $1,000, you can be looking at probation or more than one year in a commitment facility. Trick-or-treating is tough if you are behind bars. Egging a car can be a felony. If the paint on the car is damaged, the cost could be more than $1,000 to repair. Thus Halloween high jinks can result in jail time. For a guide about the law for youth and parents, go to http://www.sjso.org/media/Know%20the%20Law%20Booklet.pdf. Ignorant does not equal innocent, even if you are underage. Have a Safe and Happy Halloween. Read More