Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft 1st time, 25 years old, less than $25

[whysharkssmile]

would ideally like the case dismissed.
I'm afraid of jailtime.
what should i plea?
Is "no contest" the same as "not guilty"?

 

[mightymoose]

I assume you are accused of theft?

Were you arrested?

If you are due in court do not make any plea without speaking to an attorney. You can request an attorney at the time you appear in court.

If you have no criminal history it is very unlikely you will get any jail time for a petty theft. If this is a first offense you may even get it reduced so you do not even have a criminal record.

No contest is not the same as not guilty. A no contest plea is more likely to get you the same result as a guilty plea.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Consult an Attorney ask this Attorney if ACD or Diversion is available in your case.

 

[cbg]

Of course you would like the case dismissed.

However, the only way to guarantee that is not to steal in the first place. Then there will be no case and no risk of jail. When you choose to break the law, you put yourself at risk that you will have to suffer the consequences.