Pennsylvania State Police arrested four teens and charged them with crimes including theft and unlawful possession of alcohol for stealing from a Sheetz location in Towanda. Police were responding to the Sheetz incident in connection with a case of retail theft when they discovered four suspects between 16 and 17 with $100 worth of Twisted Tea and Twisted Tea Light.

If you're facing misdemeanor charges, call the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today. Misdemeanor convictions for crimes like shoplifting and underage possession of alcohol are no laughing matter. It only takes one conviction to compromise your access to educational and employment opportunities in the future. Simply letting the criminal justice process run its course is not likely to yield positive results.

The Teens Will Face Misdemeanor Charges for Their Crimes

Although misdemeanor retail theft may not seem like a serious offense when compared to violent felonies, the teens in this case still face harsh consequences. Retail theft of items worth less than $150 in Pennsylvania is punishable by up to three months in jail and a maximum $1,500 fine. However, the punishment is much more severe if the teens have previous retail theft convictions.

Being convicted for a second offense of retail theft (or a first offense with items worth over $150) is a second-degree misdemeanor, which carries a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. The teens in this case are also facing charges for underage drinking, which complicates matters further.

The penalty for underage drinking in Pennsylvania is a fine of up to $500 and the suspension of your driver's license. The fine increases to $1,000 for each additional offense. The length of your driver's license suspension will also increase. The arresting law enforcement agency must also notify the minor's parents. It's unlikely the teenagers in this case thought the consequences of their actions could be so severe, yet they still find themselves facing serious penalties.

You Don't Have to Face the Justice System Alone

Being charged with any crime is a traumatic experience, even if it's a misdemeanor. That is especially true if you are a minor or the parent of a minor child charged with a crime. No matter what the circumstances are, the LLF Law Firm is there for you. Our Criminal Defense Team will use the full range of our legal experience and resources to reach the best possible outcome in your case.

As your advocates, we will vigorously challenge the state's evidence, but we also seek conviction alternatives such as diversion programs or deferred adjudication that will allow you to move on from the arrest with a fresh start. One bad night doesn't have to ruin your life.

No charges are too small to fight when it comes to preserving your freedom and reputation. Call the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today! The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can begin fighting for your rights and your future.