Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Detective asked me to turn myself in but wont say what I'm being charged with

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ifkdup

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Quick run down...

I am a contractor in california, my license expired last year. I did a job in march where i accepted a 1500$ check, 900$ to pay for materials, and $600 as the remainder to a previous job i completed for the same customer.

Do to a fallout I walked away from job. The customer still owes me money on another job refused to pay so I walked out. Nothing was written on contract other than the first job I did which was completed and accepted.

A month later I two detectives show up and say that stuff was reported missing. I have been in this trade for 15 years, 20,000 houses I have entered and never been accused of theft. I let them in to search my house and car. They asked me to "come down to the station to take a lie detector test". I said no.

A week later a detective from another department calls meand leaves a message asking me to come in and talk to him. I told him I was advised by an attorney to not answer any questions. He then called me a week later and said I needed to turn myself in. I think he can arrest me for contracting with an expired license and excessive deposit.

When I asked what I was being charged with he said they didn't know yet until I came in and "clarified" some things.....I told him I would be in the next day at 10am. He then said it would give him something to think about if I just answered 1 question...."what did you do with the 1500 check....use it for bills? use it to fix your car? cmon just tell me? I said I used for material and payment on a previous job (again no contract written). That was the end of the conversation, he would see me tomorrow.

My question to anyone who will help is do I go in tomorrow and let them ask me questions or do I just go in and ask to be arrested....? My assumption is they are bringing me in because they need something from me, otherwise I would have been arrested already, in which case i'm sure they can charge me for working without a license and possible excessive deposit???

can anyone help
 
Your handle could be indicative of your answer to "just one question"!

Don't answer any questions.

I tell me clients to use the four magic words, "Talk to my lawyer"!!!




The answer to that one question might have been the lynchpin in your own undoing.

Okay, enough looking back, let's look forward.

I'd speak with a bondsman and ask how much the bond is in the aforementioned charge. I'd then arrange the bond.

If you can afford it, hire a lawyer.

If you can't, that's okay, you'll get one later.

Either way, time to cowboy up!!

Arrange to meet the detective and get this party started.

When you meet with the police, say nothing.

Tell them when they ask that an attorney has advised you to avail yourself of your right to remain silent. You will not discuss this or any other aspect of this or any other matter.

Always be polite, courteous, civil, and respectful; but do not answer ANY questions, other than name, rank, serial number!!

If you keep quiet and lawyer up, this isn't gonna hit you that hard.

If you're asked about your previous, alleged response simply say, "No comment."
 
Army Judge,

Thank you sincerely for your prompt response. I know in my bones that answering questions can only lead to self incrimination but for some reason I want to believe that if I just say the right thing they will drop the whole case.

I will take your advice and do exactly that....not say one word.
 
And, that my friend is how the cops trick people.

Columbo used it to his advantage in every episode.

Just one more question often means the difference between an idictment or a no bill; or a guilty versus a not guilty verdict!

Talking never helps you.
It only helps the police.
Whenever anyone talks, it never helps, it only hurts!

Remember, arrange your bail, be polite but firm, and just say "no"!

Army Judge,

Thank you sincerely for your prompt response. I know in my bones that answering questions can only lead to self incrimination but for some reason I want to believe that if I just say the right thing they will drop the whole case.

I will take your advice and do exactly that....not say one word.
 
I was arrested and bailed out.

I refused to talk to detectives and they got pissed (obviously it was the right choice).

I was charged with 6 felony counts of advertising with a false license on craigslist (its my number just expired).
I was also charged with 1 misdemeanor of operating without a license.

My court date is july 6th in which I plan to have my license and bond renewed.

My question now is should I get a lawyer for these charges or just a public defender. From what I understand these charges are bullshit charges and considering I have no priors other than a DV in 2004 which I completed all requirements by the court and completed probation this shouldn't hit me hard. However I am not law savvy and don't want to gamble with my life.

Thank you in advance.

God Bless
 
If you can afford a private attorney, then you may not qualify for a public defender.

And how are the charges BS? You admittedly DID claim to have a valid license when you knew it was not, and you did work as a contractor without a license. That action will likely cause any previous client to suffer penalties for unlicensed work and will likely have to hire someone else to come in and certify the work at additional cost. It is hardly BS for your past customers who may well suffer financial loss as a result. It can also mean a civil suit by anyone effected, and maybe restitution ordered by the court if convicted of the criminal charges. I am not sure of the specific charge, but it's hardly BS.

Do you know what code section(s) you have been charged with violating?
 
If you qualify for a public defender, ask for one. If you can afford a lawyer, hire one.

Whatever you do, shut up. Silence is your friend. Talking to the police only helps the prosecutor. It never helps the defendant.
 
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