Bad Sister

[usahgrad]

Ok, going to vent for a moment...

My sister recently removed $200 from my mother's bank account via an atm without asking and, when confronted, didn't admit to it. This isn't the first time she's done something like this and we were pretty sure she had done it, so my mother filed a police report to find out for sure. Well, obviously, it was my sister who took it and my mother decided that it's time that she learn and pressed charges (partially after my encouragement, insisting $200 would just be a misdemeanor and all it would do is scare her a little bit). Well, she went to the arraignment hearing and now, aside from the fact that she's not allowed to be in contact with my mother, per judge's orders, she's looking at a felony because she took it from the bank account, not from mama's purse. Our thinking is that it is getting into identity theft.

Her sentencing is on the 18 and the maximum sentence is 4 years in prison and a $5000 fine! My wedding is next May and now I'm so worried that my sister won't be there because of this.

Sorry, just wanted to get that out. Thanks for listening.

[bnd94]

Wow that sucks! But your right your sister needs to learn her lesson. Do you think if the charges were dropped that she would have learned her lesson? Or can your mom drop the charges now? Maybe under the circumstances they won't send her to jail. Hope it all works out and she can be at the wedding. Is she upset with you and your mom? Are you all still talking?

[sstark1218]

Wow! I hope this all works out for you, and I agree with bnd, try and see about dropping the charges. You said you didn't want her to go to jail, just learn a lesson.. right? I really hopes this all works out for you! keep us posted and good luck!

[LaceyinPgh]

Kelli, I'm so sorry. First because your sister put you in the prediciment. Second because it seems that everyone is sufffering because of it. Talk to the prosecuting DA. Ask him to ask for the minimum punishment. They will take into account that the vicitim is asking for the sentence. Trust me the jail system is way to packed with dangerous violent criminals to worry about a girl taking $200 out of her mom's bank account. With the DA asking for a light sentence (provided your sister doesn't already have a criminal record) and you and your mother speaking at her sentencing (again you will need to talk to your sis's attorney and/or the DA to speak at the sentencing) along with her actually being sorry for what she did, the judge will impose a lighter sentence. Your sister PROBABLY won't get jail time, just a heavy fine, restitution to your mom, and probahtion or house arrest.

[CarlosHoney]

That's crazy. My mom used to do that to me, but her name was on the account. I can immagine how you feel! You can talk to the people at the court, as previous posters have said.. I just had to tell you that this is nuts.

Even if I took money out of my mom's bank account, I wouldn't let it get to the pressing charges point. I'd just fess up. Is she on the account? If not, how did she get money out in the first place?

[usahgrad]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

I don't know how my sister's reacting to it. She doesn't usually call me regularly. We have a strange relationship, if that makes any sense. She's not allowed to talk to my mother, unfortunately, and we're past the point of dropping charges. I think she deserves what's coming to her, I just don't want her to miss the biggest day of my life. Hopefully it will be minimul. Thanks again.

[As You Wish]

The bigger question is why did she do this? Is she trying to support a drug habit? Is she in financial trouble for other reasons? Your mother may be saving her life. It would really suck to have her miss your wedding, but better miss your wedding than your children’s lives.

[usahgrad]

I know my mother is saving my sister's life, not in the way you mean, fortunately, but at some point my sister needs to learn, so it's better now than later. My sister stole the money because she had a speeding ticket to pay and she was going to loose her license if she didn't pay it. She didn't want to tell my mother about the ticket.

The situation has changed a bit. My sister now has a set amount of time in which to get a job or she goes to jail. Hopefully, since it is now in her hands, she'll do the responsible thing. Of course, she still has to get permission from her parole officer to come to my wedding.

[CarlosHoney]

Well, I'm glad that she might not have to do jail time. But, it's good that this happened. She'll think twice about being dishonest again. I think that asking for the money would have been easier than explaining where the money went! Glad things are working out, and I'm sure her PO will be okay with her going to the wedding.

Maybe she'll accept a bribe in the form of cake? :wink:

[allydawn0040]

I am glad everything seems to be working out. Good for your Mom sticking to her guns about teaching your sister a lesson. Your sister has to learn at some point that she can NOT just TAKE what she wants and/or needs. I also love the fact that she did not get jail time but is required to find employment (I am guessing in order to pay the fine, repay Mom & so on). It is a hard lesson (being responsible for your own actions, every action has an equal yet opposite reaction) that all parents must teach their children and I can not imagine how hard this must have been for your Mom. Hopefully your sister sees the light now and will joyously celebrate your wedding with you and your family! Blessings, allydawn0040

[wolf4091]

sad situation but she has to learn her lesson. i must say it is a bit harsh of
sentence though. i am a future law student so what i would do is deinitely plead guilty and get a GOOD lawyer. she needs to pay for what she did yes but why did she take the money to begin with? if it was for life necessities like food her lawyer can argue she was desperate and this is a first offense to get a plea agreement with the state for a lesser sentence. far as going to your wedding in all this though that's a toss up. i will pray you all get through it ok. best wishes.