Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft NYC Shoplifting HELPPPPP

[xiuieee]

I am 19 years old and I got caught shoplifting in a big brand name store for 3 dresses worth a total of $157. They kept me in the store over 6 hours locked in this mini cell and had me pay a fine of $500 dollars. I paid it with my debit card. The money was for textbooks for college and it took me forever to save it up but since i did do something bad, i thought i should pay the fine but then the store still called the cops on my and I had to go to the police station and now I have to go to court on July 20th. What should I do? This is my first time and i am truly worried about this.Should i plead guilty? I don't have any more money to pay for a lawyer after i paid that fine....Please help!!!!!

 

[shrinkmaster]

Your next actions should be as follows

. Start calling Attorneys. Many offer free consultations get as many as you can
. Ask these Attorneys about your options be sure to ask about ACD and/or Diversion as one option
. If you cannot afford and Attorney plead not guilty on court date and request Public defender
. Tell PD (Public Defender) what you learned about Diversion etc and tell him this is what you want. Unless you choose to fight charge.

If you have further question please reply with them and myself or another will answer

 

[xiuieee]

But i already paid $500 dollar fine to macy and signed papers that the macy staffs gave me. am i still allow to plead not guilty?

 

[shrinkmaster]

Pleading not guilty has nothng to do with those issues. it merely gives you additional time to meet with lawyers and form a defense plan

 

[NormanJr]

Were you caught in the herald square location? Nyc has such a huge caseload that you will be entered into pre trial diversion program.

 

[xiuieee]

yeaaaa i was. Should i take the pre diversion program offer?

 

[shrinkmaster]

Other than straight aquittal its your best option

 

[xiuieee]

so if that was offered, i shouldnt ask for a public defender right?

What's going to happen during the diversion program? if i complete it, will my records be cleared?

 

[shrinkmaster]

You still want a Public defender or Private Attorney so you can be advised by someone knowledgeable

 

[xiuieee]

but if i take the pre trial diversion program, then i wont have a chance to ask for a public defender...

 

[shrinkmaster]

That is if its offered right away. If it is then yes you may have no option which is why seeing an Attorney now (free consultations) is even more important. You need to be aware of your options and whats best in your case