This case might not fit the profile of a “dumb criminal” in the strictest sense of the word. Maybe “unlucky criminal” might be a better fit. But when you steal a car from the man who can throw you in prison and lock away the key, it doesn’t exactly make you a “criminal prodigy” either.

AKRON, Ohio (Beacon Journal) — A juvenile in Portsmouth is accused of stealing two vehicles from the driveway of a judge, the State Highway Patrol said.

When a trooper stopped the 17-year-old boy for a traffic violation around 4:30 a.m. Monday, the officer recognized the personalized license plate on the 1995 Chevrolet Suburban SUV and called Common Pleas Court Judge Howard H. Harcha III, said Lt. Mike Crispen at the Portsmouth patrol post.

At first, the judge said the vehicle was parked outside his home in this southern Ohio town, but he checked and discovered that the Suburban and his 2005 Toyota Camry were missing, Crispen said.

Both vehicles have been recovered. Charges are expected, Crispen said.

I’m sure that Judge will be hearing a lot of common pleas from this kid like “No…please…no, no.”

I’ve never understood why most people get personalized license plates. It takes a big ego to get one of those things and think that anybody outside of your car will have a chortle at what you’re trying to say. Besides, what kind of license plate could a judge get? LUV2SEN10CE? 0VRULED?

The ironic thing is this kid will get to make the judge’s new personalized license plate after he’s sentenced.