Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Petty theft under $500

[Sue Mae]

Jurisdiction

Louisiana

My court date is next week for theft of goods under $500 which the total cost was $30. I'm scared to go to court because I'm scared that I'll go to jail. I just don't know what to expect or do.

 

[army judge]

My court date is next week for theft of goods under $500 which the total cost was $30. I'm scared to go to court because I'm scared that I'll go to jail. I just don't know what to expect or do.

Don't miss your court date. Missing court ensures you might receive that you don't want, jail.

So, appear, plead not guilty, hire a lawyer or request a public defender, work with your lawyer to lessen the pain.

If convicted or if you plea in such matters, you generally receive fines, costs, fees (which you can pay over time to eliminate), community service (maybe), probation, behave yourself, this will end in three to six months.

You're innocent until proven guilty, or you plead guilty and take a deal.
Good luck.

 

[Sue Mae]

Don't miss your court date. Missing court ensures you might receive that you don't want, jail.

So, appear, plead not guilty, hire a lawyer or request a public defender, work with your lawyer to lessen the pain.

If convicted or if you plea in such matters, you generally receive fines, costs, fees (which you can pay over time to eliminate), community service (maybe), probation, behave yourself, this will end in three to six months.

You're innocent until proven guilty, or you plead guilty and take a deal.
Good luck.

Even if it's my first offense plead Not guilty?

 

[Sue Mae]

Even if it's my first offense plead Not guilty?

And if I plead guilty what would that do ?

 

[army judge]

And if I plead guilty what would that do ?

When you plead guilty, you are ADMITTING that you did what you have been charged with doing.
Any criminal defendant, including yourself, is INNOCENT until convicted or pleading guilty.
You are free to PLEAD GUILTY and throw your carcass upon the court's mercy, which is often non-existent!

 

[shrinkmaster]

I am a Retail Theft Consultant and answer questions like yours daily. Pleading guilty is second worst thing you can do. Its like signing a blank check. Talk to a Lawyer and when you do ask about plea options like ACD or Diversion to protect your record. If available this can protect your record. Long as you have no prior crimes jail is VERY unlikely

 

[Sue Mae]

I don't have any crimes, unless an unpaid speeding ticket is a crime.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Unpaid? That could be a problem. How long has it been unpaid?

 

[Sue Mae]

Unpaid? That could be a problem. How long has it been unpaid?

A couple months.

 

[shrinkmaster]

This would be a violation and now likely a misdemeanor. This could pose problems for you. You need to consult a Lawyer right away!

 

[Sue Mae]

This would be a violation and now likely a misdemeanor. This could pose problems for you. You need to consult a Lawyer right away!

So I can possibly do jail time?

 

[shrinkmaster]

For a traffic ticket!? Unlikely but your problem now is the court will likely discover this

 

[Sue Mae]

For a traffic ticket!? Unlikely but your problem now is the court will likely discover this

Yes I know. I'll probably have a bunch of costly fees?

 

[shrinkmaster]

You dont get it! You can be arrested when you go to court over this. You need to talk to a Lawyer