Q: Will I go to Jail for using my Parent’s credit card without permission?
I’m 16 and recently my parent’s bank account had a credit card fraud by a different person somewhere off state but they also discovered that I’ve made a couple microtransactions without their permission but after the call towards the bank I promised to pay them back. However the bank said they’ll look into it which includes me not having their permission. Does that mean I have to go to Jail? Can I at least pay a fine? My parents gave me a huge lecture but they said for now on I can’t use their account which I’m fine about but I’m not sure what the bank will do to me. They were only angry for that moment and they still went on with their life and with mine. Usually I do get their permission however but I’m not sure if that’ll help my situation.
A: Try to focus your attention on time and the possible. Events in the past cannot be changed. But you can control your behavior in the present and the future. So don't overthink past mistakes that are too late to change. Instead, learn from past mistakes, and resolve to make better choices in the future. People accused of past theft can often improve their situation by repaying the victim's loss ASAP. (In bigger cases, they may want to do that through their attorney.) Next, do not talk about past mistakes that could be criminally prosecuted, with anyone. Especially avoid talking to police. After that, consider therapy. Most theft crimes are symptoms of mental health stress and issues that can be treated. Left untreated, the person is at higher risk of a similar, future impulse and mistake.
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