by Ramona Taylor

Created on: October 26, 2009   Last Updated: October 29, 2009

Social pressure can be overwhelming for those teens struggling to fit in. However, our teens' desire to fit in may cause a teen to test their limits, exhibit negative behaviors or make impulsive decisions just for the sake of appearing tough, cool and/or notorious (the new popular.) Replacing their parent's guidance for a friend's approval, they make terrible mistakes. One common mistake is shoplifting

Reasons for Shoplifting

When it comes to negative behavior there are no real justifications. However, most teens will tell you why they steal. Some do it because of a dare. Some do it, because they get a rush from doing something exciting. Others do it because they are bored. Parents would even be surprised to know the some teens steal because they don't think they will get caught and others will do it to score money for things they want- including drugs.

Impact of Shoplifting

Shoplifting impacts more than just your child. It affects you and the rest of your family.

For your child, shoplifting can lead to court involvement and criminal charges. Shoplifting is larceny. Depending on the value of the item or items taken, your child could face a misdemeanor charge of petit larceny or a charge of grand larceny. Depending on when or how the items wer taken other related charges, such as conspiracy, may be filed against your child as well. The felony conviction could impact your child's abilities to apply to college, get a driver's/learner's permit, and even affect their right to vote even before they are eligible. Depending on your child's charges and any prior criminal activity or convictions, he or she may be in a diversion program, have to perform community service, or serve time in a juvenile detention facility or jail. Also, most merchants can ask the courts to bar your child from your premises. Any future violations would be considered trespassing.

For a parent, there are indirect and direct consequences to your child's criminal behavior. You may be forced to pay restitution and/or court cost for your child's crimes. If you are in subsidized housing, you may be forced to leave your home. If your child's crimes occurred in the neighborhood, you may be limited from entering those same premises.

From a family standpoint, you and your child may be court ordered to family counseling or community service. Depending on whether your child was accused of felonious versus misdemeanor damage, you may have participate in countless court proceedings and hire a lawyer to represent

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