Rather than getting a shopping cart, I placed the items I was going to buy in a bag in which an item I already purchased was in at that time, once I was heading to the other side of the store to buy a beverage the loss & prevention staff asked me to follow them to their room to discuss the matter, in which I explained to them my action for doing so, which was because I did not acquire a shopping cart. I was not expecting to buy multiple items at the time, so I did not think of getting a shopping cart. I have court on the 15th of July, I can't afford to do any jail time or have this on my record due to my career, what is the best plan of action? First time ever accused of a criminal charge as well
-
Welcome to our legal community! Click here or the create new topic button to ask a question and receive answers and comments from our friendly and helpful legal community.
Articles that answer frequent legal questions are in our Law Guide. Important legal news is reported in The Law JournalYou can find a lawyer near you in the Lawyer Directory. If you know that you need to hire an attorney, you can submit a case review from a lawyer.
Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft petty larceny 06/30/15
- Thread Starter 1God2Fear
- Start date
Betty3
Well-Known Member
You need to speak with a lawyer & only to the lawyer. If you cannot afford one, ask the court if they will appoint you a public defender & plead not guilty. You can ask the lawyer about ACD or diversion which "usually" protect your record.
Betty3
Well-Known Member
When you go to court, you ask for the public defender & plead not guilty.
Betty3
Well-Known Member
You ask the judge. Jail time very doubtful for first offense.
shrinkmaster
Well-Known Member
I am a Retail Theft consultant and answer questions like yours daily. go to court plead not guilty and hire a lawyer or request Public defender. When you meet this Lawyer ask them if ACD or Diversion is available. Most Diversion programs work like a conviction with fines, probation community service etc. However once you complete program your case is dimissed. However these programs vary so ask your Lawyer about the program in your county
army judge
Super Moderator
People end up with 90 days to 180 days of probation, anywhere from 40-200 hours of community service (YMMV).
Fines, costs, and fees can start about $200 and upwards approaching $1,000. Each state varies.
shrinkmaster
Well-Known Member
That is what ACD or Diversion is usually about
By the way be acquitted means you went to trial and was found not guilty. That fight can get expensive and even more so if you lose
By the way be acquitted means you went to trial and was found not guilty. That fight can get expensive and even more so if you lose
shrinkmaster
Well-Known Member
If you fight theft charge and lose you WILL have a theft conviction on your record and could face the max sentence for charge which "could" include jail time. In addition the legal fees to fight your case will greatly exceed any fine
Betty3
Well-Known Member
Plead not guilty. You need to ask your lawyer or public defender all your questions.
cbg
Super Moderator
Ask. Your. Attorney. (30 character limit)
army judge
Super Moderator
No contest (some folks call it an Alford Plea) is useless, as its the same as GUILTY.
You really need to discuss all of your questions with you public defender, and only your public defender!
Share this page
