Internet Fraud

So, im 16 years old. I just recently assisted a friend in some credit card fraud (we bought a 700 dollar phone and resold it for 500 dollars). Now, lets say the police find out. And they get me. Whats the worst they can do to me? And.. Whats the normal penalty they would give to someone like me? And.. What would most likely happen to me? Notes: I'm a good person, i don't really know what happened to me on this... I'm involved in sports, a catholic and have great friends. No drugs and i do not party! Thanks, -HXR

I would suggest, if you're a good person - that you fess up to the infraction and try and make it right with the parties you've wronged. Integrity should dictate your course of action. Not fear.

Let see: hmmm credit card fraud is stealing. You are willing to steal from others.....and how does this indicate you are a good person? You hang out with crooks, liars and thieves. And what makes you different from them? Nothing. One possible outcome is jail. All you need to do is get caught once. And if your "friends" are willing to steal from others...what makes you think you are special enough that they wont steal from you??? If you are ignorant enough to call yourself a Catholic..I thought there was one of those ten commandment things agianst stealing.

Well, mainly depends on what state you are in. Normally in most cases you can be charged with an accessories to theft, possibly conspiracy, the biggest one is going to be FRAUD since you got part of the money, an accomplise. If you have never been into trouble before, you may get off with paying restitution, a huge fine, community service, and if your lucky a suspended jail sentence. But keep in mind that this puts a mark on your record for a very long time.

In your state do you have a Legal Aid Society? I have one in my state and they can give you free counseling on this matter they can tell you a similarity on what would happen to you and not. Try locating one in your area. They give free legal services. Well the worst thing police & prosecutors can possible do to you is have a trial, find out if you guilty and put you in jail, tell you parents if they haven't already. First sit your parents down and tell them what your situation is then see if they can get you a lawyer to find out what your options are. I hope this helps. Good Luck.

Ok, first of all I am going to ignore any moral advice on this. Everyone knows you did wrong and all the ramifications of wrongdoing. First, STAY AWAY FROM THE FRIEND. Obviously he is a bad influence. Future contact can only lead to "unhappiness". Second, is there any evidence of your participation in this fraud? ....Besides your friend telling on you I mean. If there is no evidence, you may have nothing to worry about. I would have to know the details of your actions and your friend's actions to have any idea if there was any evidence that might associate you with the crime. So, for now, just wait it out. If nothing occurs in the next few months, then MOST LIKELY nothing is going to happen...this is not certain however. As for punishment: As a minor you do have an advantage. Juvenile records are sealed once you are an adult and cannot be used against you. But being convicted of credit card fraud may require you to spend some time in a boys home (worst case), pay a fine (not good if you don't have funds), or perform community service (best case). Or you could be placed on probation for a certain period of time.