Do I need a lawyer for felony shoplifting charges

[Zosky]

Shoplifted and took shoplifting prevention devices off items. Was released by magistrate on my own unsecured $1,000 bond. Am a mom of college & high schoolers, & a pillar of my community. I am ashamed and humiliated and scared. I'm deeply sorry for what I did and will never do it again. Do I need a lawyer for my court appearance tomorrow?

 

[heracles87]

Yes you certainly do need a lawyer. Plead not guilty at your court appearance, and ask the judge to apoint a public defender for your case. I would advise hiring a good private lawyer though, as you are clearly in MAJOR legal trouble. The last thing you want is a felony on your record.

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[Betty3]

If you can afford it, hire a lawyer - yes, you definitely need a lawyer. If you just can't afford one, ask the court if they will appoint one for you. The lawyer will answer any questions you might have & go over your options with you.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Yes you need a Lawyer. Ask this Lawyer to discuss plea options include reduced charge to misdemeanor in exchange for guilty or no contest plea. Normally I would suggest you ask about ACD or Diversion but that might be off the table with a felony charge. However it cannot hurt to ask. I had a client who was in similar situation I advised him to take and complete the NASP www.shopliftingprevention.org Anti Shoplifting course and take proof of completion to court. He did and Judge was so pleased he dismissed his case on the spot no probation! I cannot say same will happen for you but it wont hurt. by the way the NASP is a non profit group. If you have any questions you can email me and I can give you the email address to their Director (a friend of mine)

 

[army judge]

Shoplifted and took shoplifting prevention devices off items. Was released by magistrate on my own unsecured $1,000 bond. Am a mom of college & high schoolers, & a pillar of my community. I am ashamed and humiliated and scared. I'm deeply sorry for what I did and will never do it again. Do I need a lawyer for my court appearance tomorrow?

You've gotten great advice. The remorse and shame you're feeling shows you're a decent human being. We've all done things that were still ashamed of ever doing. For some of us, it wasn't criminal, perhaps uncivilized, or uncaring.

Okay, you can appear tomorrow, plead not guilty, don't apologize or show you're EMBARASSED. They will be time enough for that later, tomorrow will get the ball rolling.

Ask the court for a continuance so that you can have time to hire a lawyer, unless you can get one by tomorrow.
If you can't, no worries, the court will allow you a couple of weeks to arrange for a lawyer to represent you.

In the interim, you can also seek counseling from your minister, Rabbi, pastor, imam, or religious leader.
In addition, or in lieu, speak with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist about your recent action.
It'll help you get over this tough time, and show you how to heal your conscience and rebuild your reputation.

Telling a lie doesn't mean you're a liar.
Telling one truth (and 1,000,000 lies) doesn't make you a TRUTHER.
Stealing once doesn't mean you're a thief.
See a mental health professional, as you work your way through this matter.