When School's Out, Shoplifting Increases

According to law enforcement sources, shoplifting activity has daily, weekly and seasonal patterns. Shoplifters are more often caught later in the week and during high-demand periods such as pre-Easter, pre-summer and pre-Christmas. Because the majority of shoplifters are juveniles and young people, their activity reflects the times when they are free to visit the mall and shops--after school, during weekends and vacation periods.

Because we are entering the school summer vacation period, it's a good time to review what is known about shoplifting in general and juvenile shoplifting in particular. However, not all shoplifters are alike. There are the opportunistic shoplifters who take items for their own use. There are those who steal for resale, often to support drug habits. Finally, there are organized groups who systematically steal large amounts of merchandise for resale.

What is taken by shoplifters? Many national surveys have shown that the most common types of goods stolen in the U.S. include cigarettes, over-the-counter drugs and condoms and other birth control products. Music, videos and designer clothing are also attractive to shoplifters.

Why Do Kids Shoplift?

Teenagers usually fall into the "opportunistic" category. In some infrequent cases, the teen actually needs the item and cannot afford to purchase it. Some kids crave the attention or are seeking to lash out against their parents and authority. Others do it to fit in with their friends. Still others love the thrill. Many say that they had no intention of taking anything when they entered the store where they were caught.

Opportunistic shoplifting like that committed by teens has increased in recent years, possibly as a result of the sluggish economy and high unemployment among teens. Retailers have responded to the increase by pressing charges against younger teens and waiting less time for parents to arrive before calling police.

Penalties For Shoplifting

What happens to kids who are caught and convicted of shoplifting in Massachusetts? It depends on the value of the items stolen. If the items were valued under $100, the fine will be $250 for the first offense, and $500 for the second offense. A third conviction for shoplifting goods worth less than $100 could put someone in prison for up to two years.

If the items stolen were valued at $100 or more, someone convicted of shoplifting could face up to 28 months in prison and fines of up to $100 for the first offense. The penalties get steeper with subsequent convictions.

My Child Was Stopped At The Store. What Should I Do?.

When you receive that call from store security to come pick up your child, you probably have no idea what to do. Here are some tips that will help you - and your teen - survive the experience:
- Find out what's going to happen. Will your child be charged, banned from the store or required to make restitution?
- Don't yell at your child while you are still in the store. You'll probably say something that you will regret later.
- Once you feel ready to talk with your child about the incident, be very clear about how he or she can regain your trust
- Don't try to shelter your kid if the matter goes to court. That's the job of the defense attorney that you hire on behalf of your child.

One of the most important things you can do is to stay hopeful - your teen's life is not ruined. Less than 1.6 percent of kids who attend court-ordered programs after being caught shoplifting are ever charged again.

Article provided by Massachusetts Criminal Defense Group
Visit us at www.masscriminaldefenseattorneys.com

Contact Information: FL Web Advantage


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When School's Out, Shoplifting Increases

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Same-sex couples face special challenges when divorcing in Massachusetts

In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to open civil marriage to same-sex couples. It's been nearly a decade since the first same-sex marriage was performed in The Bay State, and in that time thousands of same-sex couples have tied the knot.

Of course, a lot can happen in the span of nine years. For one thing, although the federal government has not yet recognized same-sex marriage, multiple states have joined Massachusetts in legalizing same-sex marriage (and several others have embraced half measures, like permitting civil unions, recognizing same-sex marriages on a conditional basis or recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states). On a more personal level, a number of the same-sex couples who were on the ground floor of the marriage boom have found themselves growing apart.

Geography, property division issues and parents' rights frequently come up

Divorce can be a challenge for any couple. Yet, for same-sex couples, untangling a marital union presents a number of unique difficulties.

Jurisdictional issues can create problems when same-sex couples decide to split. A same-sex couple who got married in Massachusetts, lived in Massachusetts the entirety of their marriage and now seeks to get divorced in Massachusetts may be able to avoid this problem. But what about same-sex couples who were married under the laws of another state? Or who married in Massachusetts and now live in a state that does not recognize their marriage? In some cases, same-sex couples living in another state may have to return to Massachusetts to get divorced in a court of law.

The fact that the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage creates legal issues even for same-sex couples who have never left Massachusetts. For example, extensive legal workarounds are required to provide for equitable distribution of federal benefits like pensions and Social Security. Property division in same-sex divorces can also involve tax considerations that are not present when opposite-sex couples divorce.

When it comes to child custody and visitation, married parents have certain inherent rights. Yet, when a child is the biological offspring of one same-sex partner, the other may not be recognized as a parent in terms of any federal questions unless he or she has officially adopted the child.

Of course, same-sex couples also have to face all the other issues that affect anyone going through a divorce. A same-sex marriage is no exception to the usual complexities of ending a marriage.

With laws changing constantly, it is important to get an attorney experienced in same-sex divorce

Because same-sex marriage is currently such a hot button legal issue, the laws affecting it can change rapidly. For instance, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case in late March about the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, a portion of which says marriage may only be a relationship between a man and a woman for purposes of federal law. If the Court strikes down this provision of the Defense of Marriage Act, it would have big implications for same-sex divorce. A decision is expected sometime this summer.

If it's time to split up with your same-sex partner, there are a number of challenges you will have to overcome. But, with the right legal help, you can get through divorce and stay abreast of any new legal developments. Talk to a Massachusetts family law attorney with experience in same-sex divorce to explore your legal options.

Article provided by Cunha & Holcomb, P.C.
Visit us at www.cunhaholcomb.com

Contact Information: FL Web Advantage


More information you can also find on website: Lexington Law

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Same-sex couples face special challenges when divorcing in Massachusetts

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